Building on the success of this summer’s Olympic Pathways Camp in San Pedro, California, US Sailing and Oakcliff are continuing their partnership in 2027 to give more American sailors the opportunity to explore Olympic-class sailing and learn what it takes to pursue an Olympic campaign.
The next Olympic Pathways Camp will take place January 8–10, 2027, in Miami, Florida. Over three days, participants will get hands-on experience with three Olympic classes—the 49erFX, Nacra 17 and 470—and learn about the planning, resources and commitment required to build a successful Olympic campaign. The camp is designed to help sailors better understand the pathway to the Games and the ways US Sailing and Oakcliff can support their next steps.
“Olympic Pathways Camps are about helping sailors see what’s possible and giving them the experience and information they need to explore their next steps,” said Giselle Nyenhuis, Olympic Development Program Manager at US Sailing. “By introducing athletes to Olympic-class boats and connecting them with experienced coaches and resources, we hope to make the pathway to Olympic sailing more accessible and help sailors understand what pursuing an Olympic campaign could look like for them.”
“One of the most exciting parts of our camp in San Pedro was seeing sailors begin to realize that an Olympic campaign could be a realistic possibility for them,” remarked B Lindsay, High Performance Director at Oakcliff Sailing. “We want to build on that momentum by continuing to give athletes access to the boats, coaching and knowledge they need to take the next step. We’ll begin 2027 in Miami and continue creating these opportunities for sailors across the country.”
Who Should Apply?
The camp is intended for sailors who:
- Currently sail an Olympic-class boat and want to gain experience in another class.
- Are college students or recent graduates interested in exploring Olympic sailing but unsure how to get started.
- Are transitioning out of youth sailing and want to identify which Olympic class may be the best fit.
- Are passionate about Olympic sailing and have not yet had the opportunity to participate.
Application Process
- Submit the application by November 20, 2026. Because the number of training boats is limited, camp capacity may be restricted.
- Invitations will be emailed by December 1, 2026. Invited athletes will register using a link provided in their invitation. A $50 registration fee will be collected at registration.
The Miami camp is just the beginning. US Sailing and Oakcliff are planning additional opportunities throughout 2027 at locations across the country. One highlight will be a two-week Olympic Campaign Bootcamp in early June at Oakcliff’s campus in Oyster Bay, New York. Scheduled to align with summer break for many high school and college sailors, the Bootcamp will immerse athletes in the Olympic campaign experience, with dedicated coaching and access to Oakcliff facilities, including its sail loft, boat shop, gym, bunkhouse and kitchen. Athletes will gain a firsthand look at the resources and day-to-day commitment involved in running an Olympic campaign.
Another Olympic Pathways Camp is planned for San Pedro, California, later in the summer. Details about these and other opportunities will be announced as they are added to the calendar.
Contacts for Olympic Pathways Camps:
Giselle Nyenhuis
Olympic Development Program Manager, US Sailing
gisellenyenhuis@ussailing.org
B Lindsay
High Performance Director, Oakcliff Sailing
highperformance@oakcliffsailing.org