The Australian Sailing High Performance Pathway is a national initiative designed to guide young sailors with high performance potential to transition from competitive club and class racing through to the Australian Sailing Team in Olympic and Olympic pathway classes. At its core, the Pathway is about helping athletes reach their potential by offering the right support at the right stage of their sailing journey. 

This year the High Performance Pathways Coaching Team is hitting the water at major youth regattas around the country to support club and class coaches, connect with the youth sailing community and observe the next generation of sailors in Australia. 

“Connecting with coaches and sailors in the youth sailing community is essential for the High Performance Pathways team,” said Australian Sailing High Performance Pathways Manager Haylee Outteridge.  

“We are passionate about strengthening relationships with youth coaches to support their development and enhance the Advanced Fleet Coaching Programs within clubs and class associations.”  

The team will be visible at a range of key events around the country (see table below), working alongside club coaches and observing racing to support the next generation of sailors as they take their next steps. 

Outteridge highlighted the importance of strong club foundations.

“The Australian summer series offers a great opportunity to engage with the community on and off the water,” she continued. "Local regattas are the backbone of our sport, and it’s vital we show up to support them.” 

The High  Performance Pathways team will lead coach development at the annual Zhik Youth Sail clinics and Youth Championships across all states. The team will also present in the annual Coach Development Webinar Series, running from July to September in collaboration with the Australian Sailing Participation Team. 

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, you can find all the information including links to register for each webinar in the series here.

This is just one of several initiatives helping to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite performance, ensuring Australia’s sailing future is in good hands. 

Coaches from the High Performance Pathways team will be attending the following upcoming regattas: 

Photo: Beau Outteridge