From Phil Muller, US Sailing’s Youth Performance Manager:
We just wrapped a Youth and Women’s ILCA 6 Camp in Buzzard’s Bay. This is the second event in summer 2024 under our new model. The Youth Performance Program and Olympic Development programs are bringing sailors together from the Olympic classes and youth under 19 fleets for training and collaboration.
In March of this year, the top youth sailors in the ILCA 6 competed for one qualification berth at the World Sailing Youth Championships this July in Lake Garda. As the pinnacle event of the year in youth racing, only one athlete per class qualifies. We are fortunate in America to house a deep bench of talented sailors, which is why we’ve expanded our program’s reach this season.
The top 12 ILCA 6 boys and girls from the MidWinters West were invited to the camp at New Bedford Yacht Club last week. From the Olympic fleet, World Cup champion, Charlotte Rose, and skilled campaigner, Lilly Myers, joined the camp led by me, Rosie Chapman, our new ODP Manager, and multiple time collegiate All-American and proven ILCA sailor/coach, Sophia Reineke.
“When I asked Charlotte and Lilly to join the camp they were delighted. During the camp they both gave a massive amount back to the next generation,” says Rosie Chapman. “Once again, showing us the importance of knowledge sharing through the system! It was also really encouraging to see so many hard-working female sailors at the camp, the future is bright.”
“It was great being able to train with the up-and-coming generation of sailors. I was so impressed with their skill, drive, and passion for the sport,” comments Lilly Myers.
Buzzard’s Bay fulfilled her reputation with steep chop and healthy sea breeze. The young guns refined new techniques on rig tuning, upwind moding and downwinding in the chop during conversations led by Charlotte and Lilly.
“I haven’t been back in the boat for over a month, so I was definitely a bit rusty and a bit sore after,” said Charlotte Rose. “The focus was there, and everyone was eager to learn. The sailors came in with such a great attitude every day. I’m excited to see how the Youth [Worlds] Team and U21 Team does this summer.”
Rosie invited Charlotte to the camp with hopes that Charlotte would share her experience with the younger group of ILCA girls and boys.
The youth fleet moves to Narragansett Bay this week for another training block in preparation for the US Sailing Youth Championships and Jr. Women’s Championships in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Photos from Lexi Pline
