Youth Pathway Programme
A new generation of offshore sailors
The Canada Ocean Racing Youth Pathway Programme is designed to identify, support and accelerate the next generation of offshore sailing talent. It exists to open the door to ocean racing for young sailors who have the potential, determination and mindset to compete on the world stage but may not yet have a clear route to get there.
What the programme is about
Offshore racing is as much about resilience, teamwork and decision-making as it is about technical sailing ability. The Youth Pathway Programme reflects that.
We focus on three core areas of development:
1. Performance on the water
Participants gain hands-on experience in offshore racing environments, building skills in:
- Boat handling and sail trim
- Navigation and weather strategy
- Watch systems and endurance sailing
- Race preparation and execution
2. Human performance
Success offshore depends on the individual as much as the boat. The programme develops:
- Physical conditioning and endurance
- Mental resilience under pressure
- Sleep management and recovery
- Decision-making in high-stakes environments
3. Professional growth
We prepare sailors for the realities of a modern racing team:
- Media and storytelling
- Partner engagement
- Team culture and collaboration
- Personal responsibility and leadership
What we’re trying to achieve
At its core, the programme exists to change what’s possible for young Canadian sailors.
We are working towards:
- Creating a clear pathway from grassroots sailing to elite offshore competition
- Increasing accessibility to a sport that has traditionally had high barriers to entry
- Building a pipeline of talent capable of competing in events like The Ocean Race and IMOCA campaigns
- Developing ambassadors who can represent Canada on a global stage
Who it’s for
We are looking for a mix of talent and are committed to gender equality. The programme is aimed at young male and female sailors (aged 18-25 years) who:
- Have an existing foundation in sailing or an enthusiasm to learn more
- Are motivated to pursue offshore racing or careers in the sport of sailing, including onshore
- Show potential in both performance and mindset
- Are ready to commit to a demanding, team-oriented environment
We are particularly focused on individuals who may not otherwise have access to offshore opportunities.
Eligibility
- 18-25 years old
- Canadian residents
What participants can expect
Each programme can include opportunities such as:
- Training camps and on-water sessions
- Offshore races
- Mentorship from experienced sailors and team members
- Exposure to IMOCA campaigns and professional racing environments
- Ongoing feedback and performance development
What we provide
- Roundtrip travel from Toronto to Collingwood (if you need further financial assistance to get to Toronto, please mention this in your application)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Sailing apparel, safety equipment and accessories
- Practical sailing sessions
- Mentorship
Next opportunity is now OPEN
Date: 10-12 July 2026
Location: Collingwood, Canada
If you’re interested in being part of the programme, please:
- Send us an email with your age, location, experience and ambitions – why do you want to join our Youth Pathway Programme?
- Get this to us by 15 June 2026
- Follow Canada Ocean Racing for updates
- We will get in touch with the successful applicants by 22 June 2026
