2025/26 Starling Girls Accelerator Programme

Yachting New Zealand is now calling for expressions of interest for the second intake of its Starling Girls Accelerator programme, following last year's highly successful debut that fast-tracked the development of a cohort of promising young female sailors.

Register via the webform at the bottom of this page.

The programme is a Yachting New Zealand initiative under our women and girls in sailing strategy, aimed at inspiring and supporting a group of young female sailors to elevate their skills, sail faster, and race smarter.

The 12-month programme (July 2025 to end of May 2026) will see up to 14 female Starling sailors under the age of 18 develop their skills and knowledge through a dynamic mix of on-water clinics, coaching support at key regattas, online workshops, and one-on-one check-ins throughout the season. 

Participants will benefit from the expertise of Starling class specialists, NZL Sailing Team members and coaches, and support staff from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Our mission is to create a fun, challenging, and meaningful experience that helps these young sailors grow their capabilities and love for the sport, as well as connecting with other like-minded individuals.

Vision statement

To build confident, connected female sailors who love racing, value each other, and are ready for the next step.

Purpose

To identify, develop, and empower female sailors within the Starling class who demonstrate commitment, potential, and aspirations to progress through Yachting New Zealand's youth high-performance pathway by:

• Inspiring and capturing a cohort of girls who want to race and enjoy the Starling for the 2025/26 season before moving into the national youth programme.
• Helping to build the expertise and skills to sail fast and race smart.
• Gaining valuable exposure to other disciplines like wingfoiling and double-handed classes.
• Learning and having fun.

Key programme content

• Speed.
• Boat-handling.
• Strategy.
• Tactics.
• Physical action learning process.
• Performing under pressure.
• Rules and communication.

Commitment 

We understand that life is busy and everyone has many commitments. However, for this season, we ask that all applicants to our programme commit to attending all on-water training and coaching sessions, as well as the majority of scheduled regattas.

Additionally, we ask that you apply with the intention of working towards the 2026 Starling national championships. This goal helps guide our training and development throughout the season.

Outcomes

• 2026 Starling national championships: Female sailors achieving multiple top-10 results with the goal of at least one female sailor finishing in the top-10 overall.
• Aim to have 60%+ of participants transition into structured youth classes (e.g., 420, ILCA 6, 29er, iQFOiL) within 12 months.
• Build personal confidence, campaign knowledge, and a strong peer network aligned with NZL Sailing's shared identity principles. 

Selection Process

• Applications open in July.
• Online application questionnaire.
• 1:1 interview with programme coach lead and Yachting New Zealand high-performance operations and youth programme manager.
• Selection based on commitment, pathway alignment, performance intent, and regional diversity.

Curriculum

• Based on campaign blueprint – to fill gaps in sailor knowledge.
• Strategy, tactics and processes.
• Fitness and hiking focus.
• Keeping girls engaged over winter and set them up for coming 2025/26 season.
• On-water sessions and camps - coaching support at key events.
• Online workshops and one-on-ones throughout the programme.

How do you get involved?

• Sailors need to apply - by registering via the webform at the bottom of this page - and commit to the programme.
• Cost is $400 per person (to be paid once accepted)
• Contact Sam Mackay at sam@yachtingnz.org.nz with any questions or for more information.
• Below is a draft outline of the 2025/26 programme. Please note: Dates and programme content is subject to change and will be updated and finalised in due course.