Australian Sailing has officially welcomed the 2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) this week, with the nation’s top emerging sailors coming together in Canberra for their first National Performance Camp.
The National Youth Squad is a key development program for sailors under 19 competing in recognised Youth Pathway classes, supporting those with the potential and ambition to progress towards high-performance sailing. Drawing sailors from across Australia, the program includes both on-water and off-water development education between April to November and provides a critical stepping stone toward future national and international opportunities.
Selected in line with published selection guidelines and based on performance, commitment, and potential, the 2026 squad showcases a talented group of sailors across classes including 420, 29er, ILCA 6, Nacra 15, iQFOiL, and Formula Kite.
Experiencing High Performance at the AIS
The AIS camp marks an important milestone in the squad’s journey, offering sailors a firsthand introduction to a high-performance environment and the standards required to succeed at the next level. Across three days, sailors will take part in sessions focused on connection, and performance fundamentals Key areas include goal setting, individual development planning, physical preparation, mindset, and reflective learning - broadening each sailor’s understanding of what drives success in the sport. A central component of the program is encouraging sailor ownership. Through Individual Development Planning, the sailors are supported to take responsibility for their progress, build self-awareness, and establish habits that underpin long-term development.
Building Connections Across the Country
Beyond performance, the Youth Squad program places strong emphasis on connection and collaboration. Bringing together sailors from different classes, clubs, and regions creates a unique environment for shared learning and idea exchange. The AIS camp also provides an opportunity for sailors to build relationships with peers and coaches, strengthen their understanding of the coach–sailor dynamic, and contribute to a positive, performance-focused team culture.
2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad
The 2026 squad includes sailors from across Australia:
ILCA
- Henry Piggot (QLD)
- Wilbur Bright (QLD)
- Charlotte Jenkins (NSW)
- Ava Wilson (QLD)
420
- Victoria Lin (NSW)
- Annabelle Sampson (NSW)
- Aaveer Patil-Chaudhari (NSW)
- Olivia Lee (NSW)
- Fraser Baker (SA)
- William Gaylard (SA)
- Isabella Lozevski (NSW)
- Brendan Goh (NSW)
Formula Kite
- Russell Harris (QLD)
- Fynn Goat (NT)
- Connor Harris (QLD)
iQFOiL
- Jack Brazier (WA)
- Charles O’Kane (QLD)
- Darcy Brinkmann-Gray (WA)
- Zachary Patrick (QLD)
Nacra 15
- Mia Waters (WA)
- Henri Bellanger (WA)
- Samuel Dalton (NSW)
- Alana Harrison (NSW)
- Alexander Eyles (WA)
- Juliet Jarrett (WA)
- Liam Fowler (WA)
- Ruby Colman (WA)
29er
- Hamish Skelton (NSW)
- Joel Beashel (NSW)
- Zann Scrimgeour (NSW)
- Heidi Bates (NSW)
- Klara Travlos (WA)
- Alice Travlos (WA)
- Andy Allt-Graham (NSW)
- Kai Lawson (NSW)
Coaches and Support Team
The squad is supported by an experienced group of coaches and Australian Sailing Performance Pathway staff, delivering a consistent and high-quality development experience.
The 2026 coaching team includes:
Rob Brewer
Hayley Clark
Paddy Buttler
Dante Olivieri
Simon Small
Oliver Pabbruwe
Brady Lowe
Mitch Pearson
Ian Leeson
Developing the Next Generation
Throughout the camp, sailors will explore key performance principles, refine their Individual Development Plans, and gain valuable exposure to the AIS environment. The program combines technical development with physical preparation, mindset, and personal growth - providing a well-rounded foundation for future progression in the sport.
Follow the journey of the 2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad via Australian Sailing’s social channels for updates and behind-the-scenes insights from the AIS camp.
More information about the program, including objectives and key activities, can be found here.
