Tuesday 7 May 2013

Red Bull Youth America's Cup : Support NZL Sailors for Youth America's Cup

Red Bull Youth America's Cup on AC45s. Image copyright ACEA/Guilain Grenier

by Jodie Bakewell-White

A group of New Zealand's top youth sailors have an opportunity to compete at the first ever Youth Americas Cup Regatta in September 2013 - and they need your support to help them win it for New Zealand.

Led by 22 year old two time Olympian (and 2012 Games silver medallist) Peter Burling and his 23 year old sailing partner Blair Tuke, this team of seven sailors represent the NZL Sailing Team and Emirates Team New Zealand. Racing will take place in the same high performance, wing sailed AC45 catamarans that are used in the Americas Cup World Series.

These young men are the future of sailing, driving the sport forward to a faster new era.

"I'm really confident that we have a great group of guys together" says Burling. "We had the bonus of some early training time on Emirates Team New Zealand's AC45 catamaran which is invaluable.”

The NZL Sailing team with Emirates Team New Zealand is...
  • Peter Burling – Skipper
  • Blair Tuke – Tactician
  • Andy Maloney
  • Jono Spurdle
  • Jason Saunders
  • Guy Endean
  • Sam Meech
 “We need to raise $50,000 to help us get there” says Blair Tuke - the money will go directly into funding their campaign costs. “People can donate at Thrillpledge.com - they can become part of the team by having their name on our boat and wearing our supporter t-shirts.”

“It’s going to be awesome to have New Zealanders on board with us”

Pledge to this project and help this talented group of youngsters carve a new pathway to sailing at the Americas cup.

Total pledges can go over the targeted amount of $50,000, and if you can’t make a pledge or donation - please help us spread the word and reach other people who can contribute.

Contact Us if you are interested in greater sponsorship, including significant branding and VIP opportunities.
Shipping within NZ is free – if you are overseas this may require additional postage costs

Want to know more?

This is the first time that young, talented sailors have had a clear pathway towards competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in sport. The Red Bull Youth Americas Cup opens the door for young sailors to gain the experience they need to contribute to a cup team.

The regatta itself will take place from 1-4 September 2013 in San Francisco during the break between the end of the Louis Vuitton cup, and start of the 2013 Americas Cup Finals. Every sailor in the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup will be aged 19-24. Ten teams from eight countries have qualified.

The support of Emirates Team New Zealand provides this automatic entry to the 2013 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, submitted by Yachting New Zealand, hence the team is known as the NZL Sailing Team with Emirates Team New Zealand.

Links
NZL Sailing Team Facebook
Team Profiles on YNZ Website
About Red Bull Youth Americas Cup
More information and donations