Australian Sailing has named Noakes Group as its Official Youth Sailing Partner in a new agreement focused on the development of young sailors. The partnership is intended to support activity from grassroots participation through national youth programmes and international competition.
Noakes will become naming partner of the Australian Sailing Youth Squad and the Australian Youth Sailing World Championships Team. That gives the partnership a direct role in the pathway used by sailors progressing from club and class racing toward national representation.
New recognition for young sailors
Australian Sailing is also introducing separate Female Youth Sailor of the Year and Male Youth Sailor of the Year awards as part of the partnership. The change expands a previously singular youth award and gives two young sailors national recognition each year.
The agreement also supports a new Youth Pathways Team and Youth Pathways Coach, adding resources around the athletes rather than concentrating only on event sponsorship. Australian Sailing says the structure is intended to connect coaching, squad activity and competition more closely.
Support from clubs to national teams
Youth sailing depends on a large network of clubs, classes, coaches, volunteers and families before sailors reach national squads. A partnership that spans several levels of that pathway can therefore have a broader effect than support tied to one championship or one class.
Small boats remain the starting point
Most youth pathways begin in dinghies and other small one-design boats, placing the programme squarely within Leisure Boat Guide’s small-craft coverage. The partnership is another example of investment in participation and skills alongside the product and equipment news that usually dominates the leisure-marine industry.