We're close to the 200 day mark to competition start and things are hotting up for the team.

Our pathway program is formalised, we've been out and about at different clubs, stood tall on the podium in competition and there is still time, just, to ensure your entry in the February draw for a MUSTO and Bolle gear pack.

PATHWAY PROGRAM UNVEILED

We are thrilled this week to be announcing the establishment of an education and training Pathway Program to mentor the next generation of elite sailors through a charitable status with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).

Did you know the ASF was originally set-up in the wake of John Bertrand’s Australia II win to gain support for Australian Sports donations and remains the only deductible gift recipient for sport in Australia?

Our Patron Bertrand said the opportunity generated by the new America’s Cup campaign and the exceptional technology innovation with the AC40 yacht provided an enormous chance to attract and retain talented sailors.

The Pathway Program aims to offer scholarships, training and mentorship with education models including leadership, adaptability, care for the environment, cognitive skills, intuition, problem-solving, teamwork and risk management.

Founding Team Australia Challenge squad member and Olympic silver medallist Olivia Price said the Pathway Program was a long-held dream of hers as she has moved into a mentoring role herself on her path to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2024 America’s Cup – something not afforded to her in her early career.

“There have always been amazing female sailors in our orbit but they have had to truly fight for their place in the sport and there was just not any professional career opportunities made available in my youth, but that is changing fast and Australia can be at the forefront so it is truly an exciting time now for women in sailing,” she said.

Get in touch to find out more or make a tax-deductible donation to this legacy program.

CLUB EVENTS

Thanks to the clubs and our new members who joined us from the weekend events at RPAYC and CYCA. Congrats to Peter Gothard who won the Musto back-pack in the draw at CYCA. See below for some highlights from the chat with our sailors Olivia Price, Evie Haseldine and Cole Tapper hosted by Vice Commodore Sam Haynes.

Royal Freshwater Bay in Perth also hosted Nina Price and Zoe Thomson this month and Manly Sailing Club is hosting the next function on March 13.

Please get in touch if your club would like a TAC event.

MUSTO PRIZE PACK

There is just ONE DAY left to be in the draw for our February prize pack of Musto gear which all subscribers are entered into. The Premium package of Team Australia Challenge merchandise is valued at over $379 plus a pair of the just released Bolle Wind Chaser Sunglasses $399.

Squad members participated with some high flying tricks on the harbour this month to be in the global video announcement of Musto’s four nation partnerships for America’s Cup 37. See the short video below thanks to Nic Douglass, featuring Max Paul, Tash Bryant, Jack Ferguson and Tom Needham.

SQUAD SUCCESS

Members of the Team Australia Squad have raced back into sailing competition with some further great results being clocked up. George Richardson was on the winning crew in the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta held in Perth this month and fellow TAC member Cole Tapper claimed third, followed by a second with Chelsea William's team in the Hardy Cup last week. Zoe Thomson made the medal round at top ten in the European ILCA championships in Athens and Tash Bryant takes the cake being on deck to score the exciting win in the Sydney leg of SailGP for Australia at the weekend.

Continuing our profile series on our athletes - meet Max Paul and Tash Bryant

Max Paul, NSW from the RSYS

Max is a current member of the Australian Sailing Team, is currently placed 2nd in the World 49er rankings and is highly placed on the World Match Racing Rankings.

In 2023 Max placed 2nd at the Trofeo Princess Sofia World Cup in the 49er and is about to compete at the 2024 49er World Championship as one of the final stages of his campaign towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Max has also competed successfully in the Australian match racing circuit, placing 2nd twice at the Hardy Cup in 2022 and 2023 and 2nd at the 2022 Harken Youth International.

Max is a two time 29er Australian National Champion in 2018 and 2019, the same years he came 2nd in the 29er World Championships (2018) and 3rd in the World Sailing Youth World Championships (2019).

Tash Bryant, NSW from RPAYC

Tash has competed at the highest levels of IQfoil and the 49er FX, initially completing an Olympic campaign in the 49FX class followed by windsurfing. She was 29er Youth World Champion in 2016 and Australian Female Sailor of the Year in 2017. She qualified Australia for a place in 2020 Olympics in 49erFX. At 22 years old she is now competing on the Australian SailGP team. 

She is a passionate foiler across multiple water sports, including winging and prone foiling and coaches female sailing while also studying a Bachelor of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.

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