Issue date
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron are now accepting applications from sailors to be part of their Youth America’s Cup team in 2021.
A squad of approximately 10 sailors will be selected by the end of March, based on a 50/50 gender split, and will train towards the 2021 Youth America’s Cup.
An age restriction applies and crew must be between 18-24 years of age (over 18 by 1 November 2020 and under 25 by 12 March 2021). Non-RNZYS members are able to apply but, if successful, will need to become RNZYS members to be eligible for the squad.
To encourage diversity at this high level, teams will consist of a mixed crew of four sailors on each boat, including two females and two male sailors with a maximum crew weight of 311kgs.
The newly invigorated event will be raced in brand new AC9F foiling monohulls, and 15 teams from 12 nations, including two from New Zealand, have already entered.
The initial early entry period closed on February 29, although entry is still open until September 30 subject to availability.
The first AC9F, built out of Yachting Developments, is due to be launched this week for testing.
Anyone interested in applying to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Youth America's Cup team should send their sailing CV and current body weight to RNZYS training manager Reuben Corbett.
Corbett or sailing director Laurie Jury are available to answer any questions or see here for more Youth America’s Cup information.
Nations with their representative yacht clubs who have entered teams are as follows:
- New Zealand (2)
- Australia (2)
- Switzerland (2)
- Netherlands
- Russia
- Argentina
- Hong Kong, China
- China
- Denmark
- Germany
- Spain
- USA
New Zealand won the inaugural Youth America's Cup in 2013 (pictured) with a crew that included the likes of Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Andy Maloney and Sam Meech and were second in Bermuda in 2017.
