Athena Pathway Youth Squad to Race Alongside Sir Ben Ainslie at Historic 200th Cowes Week
by Athena Pathway 1 Aug 16:56 BST
1-7 August 2026
(l-r) Katy Jenkins, Kai Hockley, Sir Ben Ainslie, Finn Dickinson and Kuba Staite © Jackson Green
As Cowes Week celebrates its landmark 200th anniversary, Sir Ben Ainslie will return to the Solent to race alongside the Athena Pathway Youth Squad, giving Britain's brightest young sailing talent the opportunity to learn first-hand from one of the greatest sailors in history.
Competing across four days of the regatta, Ainslie, GB1 sailor Ben Cornish and Emirates GBR SailGP Team sailor Neil Hunter will race with members of the Athena Pathway Youth Squad. The initiative forms part of Athena Pathway's mission to fast-track Britain's next generation of elite sailors by providing unrivalled opportunities to compete alongside world-class athletes in live racing conditions.
Joining the programme at Cowes Week are Youth sailors Finn Dickinson, Kai Hockley, Katy Jenkins and Kuba Staite, all part of Athena Pathway's high-performance sailing development programme.
For the young sailors, the experience extends far beyond simply sharing a boat with Britain's most decorated Olympic sailor. Four days of racing will provide hands-on mentorship in real competition, allowing them to absorb race strategy, tactical decision-making, boat handling and communication from Ainslie, Cornish and Hunter in one of the world's most competitive regattas.
The experience also highlights the importance of traditional keelboat racing within the development of modern foiling athletes. While Athena Pathway is preparing sailors for the future of high-performance foiling, racing at Cowes Week develops the fundamental sailing skills that remain essential across every discipline. Sail trim, boat feel, tactical awareness, teamwork and communication are all honed in an environment that cannot be replicated by simulators or foiling boats alone, providing the foundations required to succeed at the highest level of professional sailing.
Sir Ben Ainslie, Founder of Athena Pathway and Team Principal of GB1, said:
"Cowes Week has always been one of the best places to learn how to race sailboats. The racing is incredibly competitive and the conditions constantly challenge you to adapt and improve. Having the opportunity to race alongside these young athletes for four days allows us to pass on experience in real racing situations, helping them build the skills, confidence and decision-making that will be invaluable as they progress through the pathway towards the highest levels of our sport."
Alongside racing, members of the Athena Pathway Youth Squad will host daily Q&A sessions in the Youth Sailing Zone on The Parade, giving aspiring young sailors and visitors the opportunity to hear about their journey into high-performance sailing and learn more about the opportunities available through Athena Pathway.
Youth Sailing Zone Q&A Schedule
- Sunday | 16:30-17:30 - Finn Dickinson
- Monday | 16:30-17:30 - Katy Jenkins
- Tuesday | 16:30-17:30 - Kuba Staite
- Wednesday | 16:30-17:30 - Kai Hockley
While four members of the Youth Squad compete at Cowes Week, five further Youth Squad sailors are simultaneously training in Cagliari alongside the British Women's America's Cup Team aboard the AC40, continuing their progression towards future Women's, Youth and America's Cup campaigns.