First SailGP Inspire learning camp comes to Lake Macquarie

SailGP Inspire Learning Camp © Michelle Fowler

SailGP, the annual global championship redefining sailing, returns to Sydney for Season 2 on 28/29 February 2020. SailGP Inspire, the global league's community, education and outreach initiative, will come to Australian shores for the first time bringing its three innovative pathways for young people, students and aspiring sailors - Learning, Careers and Racing.

In Australia, SailGP is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government, through the Office of Sport to deliver the first ever Inspire Learning camp at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre, on the shores of Lake Macquarie. From 21-24 January 2020, up to 24 young people aged 9-13 years from across NSW who have never sailed before will have the opportunity to try the sport of sailing for the first time.

Sailing RS Cat14 catamarans - a non-foiling, smaller version of the high performance F50s that will grace Sydney Harbour in February - the young people taking part will get to learn the science behind the sport, take to the water and participate in team building exercises over the four days. They will also have the unique opportunity to meet current SailGP champions, the Australia SailGP Team, who will be racing in the event on Sydney Harbour on 28/29 February 2020. Bookings are now open via sport.nsw.gov.au/event/sailgp-inspire-learning-ages-9-13

SailGP Inspire Learning Camp - Tom Slingsby - photo © Michelle Fowler

Some of Australia's best sailors come from regional NSW - including SailGP Australia Wing Trimmer Kyle Langford - and most prominently from Lake Macquarie where the Inspire Learning camp will be hosted at the Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre.

SailGP's Youth Program Manager Tom Herbert Evans said: "At SailGP we believe that sailing can be a force for good and we want to leave a positive legacy and build a sustainable sport. This is one of the reasons we are excited to be working with the Office of Sport on our first Inspire Learning camp to provide young people access to the sport for the first time and learn fundamental life skills while being encouraged on the water."

Office of Sport Chief Executive, Karen Jones, said: "The Office of Sport is excited to partner with SailGP to deliver Australia's first Sail GP Inspire Learning Camp. The Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre provides the perfect backdrop for participants to experience sailing in a fun and safe environment."

For more information on SailGP Inspire visit SailGP.com/Inspire.