2026/27 Starling Girls Accelerator Programme
Yachting New Zealand is now calling for expressions of interest for the third intake of its Starling Girls Accelerator programme.
Quick links
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 10-month programme (August 2026 to May 2027) will see up to 14 female Starling sailors under the age of 17 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.
Lead coaches will be Naiomi Ferrissey and Matthew Rist with other expert and specialists involved throughout the programme. 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 2026/27 season before moving into the national youth programme.
- Helping to build the expertise and skills to sail fast and race smart.
- Learning and having fun.
Key programme content
- Speed.
- Boat-handling.
- Strategy.
- Tactics.
- 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 2027 Starling national championships. This goal helps guide our training and development throughout the season.
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 will be based on commitment, future aspirations, performance intent, and ensure regional diversity.
Curriculum
- Strategy, tactics and processes.
- Fitness and hiking focus.
- On-water sessions and camps - coaching support at key events.
- Online workshops and one-on-ones throughout the programme.
Schedule
July Applications Open
August Squad Selection & Online Induction
September - one one one meetings outlining goals and plan for the season
17 -18 October - Official welcome, Auckland Clinic – Murrays Bay Sailing Club
5 - 6 December Sir Peter Blake Regatta – Coaching Support
14 -16 December Auckland Training Camp
Interislander Regatta Coaching Support
27–28 February (TBC dates) South Island Development Clinic – Venue TBC
Late March (TBC) KYC Girls Regatta – Coaching Support
3-4 April North Island Pre-Nationals Training Camp
Starling Nationals Championship Coaching Support
May Programme Review & Celebration
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.
