Legendary Rolex Sydney Hobart skipper Mark Richards and his company, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, have partnered with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) to support the next generation of offshore sailors. Palm Beach Motor Yachts has committed to a three-year sponsorship of the CYCA’s Youth Sailing Academy (YSA), including the sponsorship of one of the CYCA’s Elliott 7’s.
This collaboration will see Richard’s guidance and sailing opportunities extended to YSA sailors, including training on the newly acquired Palm Beach XI. This announcement comes shortly after the successful validation of Palm Beach XI’s innovative C-foil configuration, enabling the yacht to foil at speeds nearing 30 knots.
As a nine-time Sydney Hobart Line Honours winner, Richards stands as a leading figure in sailing innovation while running one of the premier motor yacht brands globally. CYCA Commodore Dr Sam Haynes expressed optimism regarding the partnership, highlighting Richards’ iconic standing in sailing and its potential influence on young, aspiring sailors.
Richards emphasised the partnership as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the sport that significantly impacted his career. He looks forward to involving YSA students with Palm Beach XI ahead of significant races, including the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
ABOUT THE YSA
Established in 1993, the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy is regarded globally as one of the world’s leading full time sailing academies. With over 500 sailors to date graduating from the Academy, many have gone on to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Olympic Games, America’s Cup, World Match Racing Tour, SailGP and The Ocean Race.
Among the YSA graduates are Will Ryan (Olympic gold and silver medallist – 2020 & 2016), Olivia Price and Lucinda Whitty (Olympic silver medallists – 2012), Sam Newton (SailGP champions – 2021 & 2022 – Team Australia) and Kyle Langford (SailGP champions – 2021 & 2022 – Team Australia, The Ocean Race and 2013 America’s Cup champion – ORACLE Team USA).
Over the years, the YSA has also provided scores of young girls and boys the opportunity to either learn the basics or to help make the successful transition from dinghies to keelboat sailing. Through its Winter Squads, holiday camps and school and community programs, the YSA has nurtured young sailors, brought families together and ignited the passion for sailing in hundreds of young people, many who still participate in the sport and are proud Members of the CYCA.
#PalmBeachMotorYachts #CruisingYachtClubAustralia #YouthSailing #SailingAustralia #SydneyHobart #SailingInnovation
https://www.palmbeachmotoryachts.com/
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