Larry Cargill joins the International 29er Class as Coaching & Development Manager
by 29er Class 30 Nov 12:56 GMT
Larry Cargill joins the International 29er Class as Coaching & Development Manager © International 29er Class
The 29er International Class Association is proud to announce the appointment of Larry Cargill as the new Coaching & Development Manager.
Based in Sydney, Australia, Larry is an elite Sailing Coach and Program Manager with over 20 years of high-performance experience in skiff sailing. He has developed athletes from their earliest steps in performance sailing all the way to World Championship titles and Olympic-level standards, bringing deep expertise both on the water and in the management of long-term youth development programs.
Larry's coaching track record includes:
- multiple 18ft Skiff World Champions
- 29er World Champions
- Skud 18 World Champion
He has previously served as:
- Head Coach for Australian Sailing NSW Performance Sailing
- Skiff Coach for the Hong Kong Sports Institute
Strengthening global participation
Larry emphasises the importance of the Coaching & Development Manager attending the Youth Sailing World Championships as the on-water class coach for emerging nations — a crucial step in helping new countries enter the international arena and in engaging the 40 member nations of the Asian Sailing Federation.
Q&A — Get to Know Larry Cargill
What motivated you to take on this role with the 29er Class?
My primary motivation is the significant opportunity for global growth — especially following the 29er's inclusion in high-profile events such as the Asian Games. My vision is twofold: to expand the class's reach in emerging regions, particularly Asia, and to establish a structured, class-specific coaching and certification framework that ensures new sailors develop correct fundamental skills from the outset.
What excites you most about working with a global youth fleet like the 29er?
I'm most excited by the opportunity to introduce young athletes worldwide to the unique joy and thrill of high-performance skiff sailing. The 29er is an invaluable development platform where sailors rotate roles, learning critical skills that prepare them perfectly for future high-level and Olympic-pathway sailing.
What are your priorities as Coaching & Development Manager?
My immediate priority is to accelerate fleet growth and participation through targeted, class-specific coaching initiatives. Long-term, the focus is on creating structured pathways that offer frequent, high-quality international competition opportunities.
What is your coaching philosophy when working with young athletes?
My philosophy is centred on process over outcome. Establishing impeccable boat-handling skills from the beginning maximises both enjoyment and safety. When sailors focus on processes, consistency and a growth mindset, strong results — and long-term enjoyment — naturally follow.
Any career highlights you're particularly proud of?
I've been coaching 29ers since 2007 and have been deeply involved in skiff sailing throughout my entire career. I'm especially proud of establishing successful national youth programs, including coaching three 29er World Champions and a World runner-up. The greatest highlight, however, is seeing sailors I've developed progress into Olympic pathway programs and ultimately win international medals.
A personal note — where are you based, and what do you enjoy outside coaching?
I'm currently based in Sydney, Australia. Outside of sailing, I enjoy analysing high-performance coaching styles across different sports, which continually informs and enriches my approach to sailing development.
A strong vision for the future
Larry Cargill brings exceptional expertise, a proven development model and a clear long-term vision. His role marks a major step toward building a self-sufficient, globally connected and inclusive 29er community.
In addition to his new role, Larry will serve as the class coach at the Youth Worlds, providing support and guidance to all competing nations and helping ensure a cohesive and high-level experience for every team involved.
The 29er International Class Association looks forward to this exciting new chapter and to the global growth that Larry's leadership will drive.