Applications open for The Magenta Project's 2025/26 Global Mentoring Programme

Applications open for The Magenta Project's 2025/26 Global Mentoring Programme © The Magenta Project

The Magenta Project, a global initiative committed to equity and inclusion in sailing and the wider marine industry, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its 2025/26 Mentoring Programme.

Now in its eighth year, this internationally recognised initiative - the only one of its kind in the sport of sailing - pairs aspiring women professionals with experienced mentors from across the global sailing and marine sector. Running from October 2025 to June 2026, the nine-month programme provides structured guidance, industry insights, and tailored career support for women pursuing professional roles both on and off the water.

Since its inception in 2018, the Magenta Mentoring Programme has supported just under 300 female mentees and engaged over 100 mentors from across the sailing and marine industry - including some of the most established professional names in the sport.

The Magenta Project CEO Vicky Low said: "This programme is designed to break down barriers and open doors. Whether you are seeking guidance and looking to progress your career as a mentee or looking to give back as a mentor, this is an opportunity to be part of lasting, positive change that is so desperately needed within professional sailing and the wider marine industry."

Kate Jordan, who was paired with Swiss Professional sailor Justine Mettraux - who achieved a historic finish in the latest edition of the Vendée Globe when she became the fastest women to complete the solo, non-stop circumnavigation said: "There is no clear pathway to becoming a professional sailor, but my time in The Magenta Project mentoring programme helped me find a way to forge my own path. Through one-on-one mentoring, I learned how to set informed goals and reflect on my performances to maintain motivation and progress."

Programme Pathways

To reflect the breadth of career opportunities in the sector, the Magenta Mentoring Programme is structured around seven core pathways. These help participants connect with mentors relevant to their field, develop targeted skills, and better navigate their career journeys:

• Inshore: For those already involved in competitive inshore sailing including keelboat, dinghy, and match racing. Participants receive support in areas such as rigging, rules, campaign management, coaching, and advanced sailing techniques.

• Offshore: For sailors already sailing / racing offshore who want to progress their careers, change classes or aim for a particular race or event (solo or crewed). The pathway includes navigation, electronics, sail repair, safety, planning, and fundraising for long-term sailing projects.

• Foiling: // For sailors with foiling experience and ambitions or who want to transition into a foiling class. Developed in affiliation with the Magenta Foiling Team, this pathway includes training, mentorship, and international networking.

• STEM: For those pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within the marine industry, including marine engineering, naval architecture, boat building, data analytics and weather strategy.

• Media: For those interested in media, communications, marketing, digital, social and content creation e.g. filming, onboard reporting and photography.

• Race Management & Support: For those interested in event organisation, race management, Jury, measurement and sailing coaching.

• Leadership: For women pursuing leadership positions within the Sailing and Marine Industry.

Applications for mentees

The programme is open to women worldwide aged 18+ who are currently working in or actively pursuing careers in sailing or related marine industries. Mentees benefit from one-to-one mentoring, peer networking, and access to a diverse and supportive community. Applications for mentees close on 31 August 2025. Apply here.

Applications for mentors

Experienced professionals of all genders are invited to apply to become mentors and support the next generation of talent. Mentors receive full training, access to dedicated programme resources, and are included in a private mentor group for ongoing support and knowledge exchange. Apply here.

Contribute as a guest speaker

Professionals who cannot commit to the full programme but are keen to help further the careers of young women starting out in the industry are encouraged to contribute to the programme by becoming a guest speaker in one of the Magenta Mentoring Webinars. To express interest, please email: