SailGP Inspire kickstarts youth careers programme

Activities in and around this weekend’s Great Britain Sail Grand Prix are ramping up with local youth taking centre stage. Collaborations with the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth, which is supporting the event, have produced a cohort of 16 students taking part in SailGP’s Inspire Careers programme. Additionally, the Inspire Racing programme will see 32 local youths participate in an on-water showcase of skills – sharing the close-to-shore racecourse of the supercharged F50 catamarans – for sold out crowds gathering at Plymouth Hoe on 17-18 July.

Partnering with the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth, the SailGP’s Inspire programmes align with the respective curricula at each of the educational institutions. Interests ranging from content creation to media and race management operations, health and safety to environmental studies, allowed for a broader number of students to submit their interest through SailGP’s application process.

University of Plymouth head of careers service Dr Steve Gaskin says: “We are delighted to be an official partner of the SailGP Inspire Careers programme. This is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to get hands-on experience at the very centre of one of the world’s most exciting sailing events. Our university location, right at the heart of Britain’s Ocean City, gives our students so many amazing experiences, but this one is definitely a major highlight.

“Competition for internship places was understandably tough,” continues Gaskin. “I congratulate those who were successful and encourage them to enjoy and make the most of it.”

“It’s going to be such an exciting opportunity for the city to host the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix.” adds Jackie Grubb, principal and chief executive of City College, Plymouth. “I can’t think of a better way for our young people to learn more about the world of sailing and the prospects it offers whether that’s through pursuing the various sailing-related careers or the chance to take up a sport that might not usually be accessible to them. It is going to be a weekend to remember and the College is delighted to be a part of it, along with our friends at Future Fit Junior Field Gun.”

As the Inspire programme continues to build momentum with students, young sailors from eight of Plymouth’s local sailing clubs have also been given the opportunity to develop their skills through the Inspire Racing programme featuring foiling WASZPs and the RS Feva class boats. During this weekend’s Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, 32 Inspire Racing candidates will take to Plymouth Sound demonstrating their sailing abilities in front of family, friends and sports fans alike.

Fans unable to attend the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix can follow the main event broadcast live in 175 territories, including via SKY Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as live on YouTube. The SailGP app – available in the App Store and Google Play – gives the ultimate viewing experience with full customisation, access to data, and live commentary.