SAIL - Next stop Africa for 2017 Emerging Nations Program

Mossel Bay, South Africa hosted the most recent 2017 Emerging Nations Program (ENP) clinic from 3 - 9 April as World Sailing continues to build on the sailing legacy and skills in the developing nations.   Eighteen coaches and sailors from around Africa benefitted from the Laser Radial clinic as the conditions matched the varied skill levels of the attendees.

World Sailing nominated expert, Rob Holden, said, "We had amazing weather for this clinic with wind from 4 knots to 24 knots and a range of sea states which challenged the sailors and coaches. It gave everyone the rare opportunity to develop their skills in all conditions and we look forward to seeing an improvement in the level of coaches which they can take back to their countries."

Countries in attendance were Tanzania, Sudan, Mozambique, Egypt, the host nation South Africa and Namibia, who's inspiring participant is also eligible for the World Sailing Paralympic Development Program (PDP) which aims to increase participation in the Para World Sailing classes. 

As well as increasing sailing skills, the African ENP strengthened the connection between World Sailing, South African national Holden and contacts within the Member National Authorities (MNAs) in attendance to help identify further pathways for development on the continent.

The clinic was also organised with the potential for all attendees to stay on and participate in the South African Selector event for the 2017 Youth Sailing World Championships to be held in Sanya, China later in the year.

The ENP clinic will now move to the Oceania region with Vanuatu hosting the next clinic from the 14 - 20 April 2017.

Emerging Nations Program

The Youth Worlds Emerging Nations Program (ENP) aims to increase the number of sailors and MNAs participating at the Youth Worlds, with the aim to narrow the performance gap and promote worldwide competition. With this in mind the ENP clinics focus on coach performance, sailor ability and national training scheme development, with the goal to enhance sailing within the home nations, allowing future generations and sailing as a sport to benefit.

(www.sailing.org)