Sailing

2026

Applications for the 2025/26 intake are now CLOSED

To be notified when the next intake opens, click here to register your interest

In partnership with Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, the Hunter Academy of Sport provides performance support through our network of experts in areas such as Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition and Sport Psychology working with the Hunter’s up and coming youth Sailors.

The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Youth Squad is a training program running from May to October, involving both on & off water sessions as well as regatta experience. The program focuses on building on the sailing skillset of participants.

At onwater sessions, participants will focus on refining their skills in the following areas –

Understand and develop advanced keelboat handling skills including the use of symmetrical spinnakers
Fleet race training and regatta experience
Developing a deeper understanding and knowledge base of the Racing Rules of Sailing
Transitioning of dinghy sailing skills to a keelboat sailing environment
Execution of better teamwork dynamics
Gain one-design regatta racing experience

Squad orientation night will be on Wednesday 30th April 6pm-7.30pm at NCYC.

Athlete Benefits

Squad members will have access to a greater range of opportunities including –

Access to coaches and specialised guests
Access to technical experts through the Hunter Academy of Sport
Developing and improving keelboat skills
Opportunities to race in different fleets at different venues
Opportunities to race offshore
Athlete Education in Topics such as Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Motivation, Leadership and Load Management
Access to recommended HAS providers such as Physiotherapy & Podiatry
HAS Merchandise

Eligibility

Sailors should approximately be between the ages of 11-24 years old and have existing sailing experience at a club level. The program is also suitable for participants of the Out There Youth Sailing Program to continue their sailing development.

Program Staff

Coaching Staff:

Andrew Omotosho

Thomas Steenson

Thomas Farley

Schedule and Flyer

On water training sessions will run approximately weekly on Sundays from May-July at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.

Education sessions provided by Hunter Academy of Sport will predominantly be held online.

Scholarship Opportunties

Explore a variety of scholarship opportunities available through the Hunter Academy of Sport to support athlete development and growth: