Six Olympic pathway sailors have been selected for a high-performance offshore racing experience in France. The initiative is led by World Sailing and UpWind by MerConcept, with the sailors joining Act 1 of the Ocean Fifty Series in Sainte-Maxime on 29 April. The programme aims to connect Olympic sailing with professional offshore racing. It also promotes diversity and inclusion within the sport.
The selection was based on an international call held ahead of the French Olympic Sailing Week in Hyères. Six sailors were chosen, with a focus on gender balance. Participants represent a range of nations across Europe, Central America and Oceania. Organisers say this reflects the global ambition to access elite sailing environments.
The sailors will take part in a full-day immersion with an Ocean Fifty team. This includes technical briefings, a guided trimaran tour and race-day participation. They will also engage with professional sailors and team members after racing.
Louis Gard, Team Manager at UpWind by MerConcept, said the initiative aims to “open doors, create opportunities, and build bridges across sailing communities worldwide”. He added, “We are very proud to welcome these six sailors… and share with them the reality of offshore racing at the highest level.”
Fiona Kidd, Head of International Development at World Sailing, said the programme helps “bridge the gap between Olympic and offshore sailing”. She added that it shows “the potential pathways open to sailors from across the sailing world”.
Organisers say the collaboration highlights growing links between Olympic and offshore disciplines. It forms part of World Sailing’s “Navigating Offshore” strategy to support future pathways.
The sailors will take part under the supervision of UpWind by MerConcept, which will manage on-water operations and safety.
