Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 12, 2024 2:18 am GMT
After months of rigorous training, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Youth team is set to make waves at the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, which kicks off in Port Olímpic tomorrow. With 12 nations represented, this event promises intense competition as teams race on cutting-edge AC40 foiling boats, capable of reaching speeds over 45 knots (approximately 80 km/h). This marks the third outing for the Swiss team in this prestigious event.
Swiss Team’s Streamlined Sailing
At the helm of the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Youth team is skipper Jann Schüpbach, 23, who expressed pride in representing Switzerland, the only European country to have won the America’s Cup. Schüpbach emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “We’ve given everything in our preparation, which gives us a good feeling going into the racing.”
Alongside him, trimmer Marie Mazuay, 19, recognizes the significance of the team’s initial experiences in fleet racing. “Now the event is here, every hour counts,” she noted. “The learning curve is steep. We’re going to be learning and improving every race, every lap.”
In addition to the Youth America’s Cup, the Swiss team is also competing in the Louis Vuitton Cup in Barcelona, striving for the world’s oldest sailing trophy.
The Pathway to Professional Sailing
The Youth America’s Cup, first held in 2013, serves as a vital stepping stone for young sailors aspiring to reach professional levels. The 2024 edition features a robust lineup, consisting of six teams from the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup defender and challenger teams, including the French Orient Express-L’Oréal Racing Team. Additionally, six invited teams represent yacht clubs from countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia.
Matías Bühler, the head coach for the Swiss Youth and Women’s teams, highlighted the event’s role in fostering talent. “This event is giving the chance for young sailors to sail in the Formula 1 of sailing,” he remarked. He added that the opportunity to compete in the Youth America’s Cup is an inspiration for younger sailors globally.
Racers Who Have Made an Impact
Many past participants have successfully transitioned into professional sailing, leveraging their experiences in the Youth America’s Cup. Notable sailor Timothé Lapauw spoke about his journey, recounting his involvement in the 2017 Youth America’s Cup, which laid the groundwork for his professional career. “I was part of the Team France Jeune,” he explained, emphasizing the motivation felt from the successful legacy of prior competitors, including Peter Burling.
Lapauw also recalled how his team’s integration into the Challenger Team facilitated learning about various aspects of sailing, technology, and teamwork.
Connecting the Dots in Sailing Careers
Another significant participant from that era is Antoine Rucard, the AC75 coordinator for the current French challenger team. He reflected on how the Youth America’s Cup provided a crucial foundation for his career. “We arrived in Bermuda at the heart of a team that was racing for the America’s Cup. The transition was fairly easy because we were made very welcome by the Challenger team,” Rucard said.
Jason Saunders, a prominent trimmer on the current French AC75 foil, also credits the Youth America’s Cup for boosting his career. He recalled his participation in the inaugural 2013 event, which followed his Olympic debut in 2012. “It was an incredible experience that helped us a lot,” he noted, adding that it provided an invaluable entry point into the America’s Cup world.
What’s Next for the Youth America’s Cup
The 2024 UniCredit Youth America’s Cup is structured to maximize competition among the 12 participating teams. The format includes:
- Qualification Series: Each team will compete in eight fleet races.
- Final Series: The top three teams from the qualification rounds will enter a series of four additional races.
- Final Match Race: The top two teams in the Final Series will face off in a single winner-takes-all match.
The event runs from September 17 to September 26, promising exhilarating races and a chance for young sailors to shine on an international stage.
As the excitement for the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup grows, we see amazing teams like Alinghi Red Bull Racing join in. This shows how important it is to support young sailors. These young talents might become the future stars of sailing!
