2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad
The Australian Sailing National Youth Squad is a national development program for sailors training and competing in recognised youth pathway classes. It supports those who demonstrate potential, commitment, and a desire to progress in the sport.
The program is a key step for youth sailors with aspirations toward high-performance sailing. It brings together sailors from across the country to:
- Prepare for national and international competition
- Build a connected, performance-minded community of sailors and coaches
- Support consistent, high-quality learning experiences
- Complement coaching delivered through clubs and class programs
- Promote sailor-led development around planning, learning, and reflection
- Foster collaboration across classes, clubs, and regions
- Expand opportunities for sailor depth charting by Australian Sailing Performance Pathway staff and provide additional coach development opportunities nationally.
This program is designed to complement, regular coaching delivered by clubs, and class associations, and is about equipping the nation’s best youth sailors with the tools, habits, and mindset for long-term success in the sport.
Eligibility & Development Focus
The Australian Sailing National Youth Squad is for sailors under 19 years of age (as of 31 December in the year of selection) who are actively training and competing in one of the recognised Youth Pathway Classes: 420, 29er, ILCA 6, Nacra 15, iQFOiL, or Kitefoil.
Sailors should demonstrate a commitment to training and development, a desire to be part of a connected, performance-minded community, and a willingness to learn and contribute in a team environment.
Sailors in the program are encouraged to foster a commitment to the following key qualities, which form the foundation of our development approach throughout the program:
- Good Racers
- Squad-minded
- Curious Learners
- Physically and Mentally Capable
- Committed to Developing as Skilled Sailors
Selection
Sailors will be invited to join the Australian Sailing National Youth Squad in accordance with the selection guidelines. Final offers will be made to sailors via email no later than 31 January 2026 for all classes, except the 29er class where offers will be made no later than 8 April 2026. To accept an offer, Sailors must commit to being available for, and participating in, all AS National Youth Squad activities for 2026.
Selection Criteria and Process:
Download 2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad Selection Guidelines (PDF)
Program Inclusions
The Australian Sailing National Youth Squad includes a structured calendar of development activities designed to support long-term sailor progression. The following key touchpoints are included in the Program cost:
| 2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad Activities |
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National Performance Camp
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3-day residential camp at the AIS in Canberra. Includes goal setting, Cross-Class development, and sports performance education. Fully inclusive – all supervision, accommodation, flights, meals, transfers and activities are covered in the program fee.
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Class specific Technical Camps
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Each Youth Squad class will have a 2–3 day technical camp led by its appointed Class Coach. Locations will be chosen in consultation with Class Associations and the selected squads to reduce travel. Sailors will be required to cover their own travel, accommodation and logistics requirements.
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Delivered by each Class Coach. Covers topics such as; mindset, physical prep, reflective learning, and planning.
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Sailor Contribution: $1,000 This covers:
- Full AIS camp (all-inclusive)
- Daily Coaching at the class specific technical camp
- All online webinars and learning content
- Program Management, Planning, and Coordination
Youth Squad Coaches
Each class will have a dedicated Youth Squad Coach appointed via an expression of interest (EOI) process. Coaches will work closely with sailors, class associations, and the sailors existing club coaches to ensure appropriate alignment and progression.
Australian Sailing Performance Pathway staff may also attend activities to support both sailor and coach development.
Coaching Expression of Interest (EOI)
Coach applications close 22 February 2026
Successful Coaches will be notified during the week commencing 2 March 2026
Contact
For questions or enquires about the Australian Sailing National Youth Squad program, Email: youth@sailing.org.au
