From record speeds on the racecourse to introducing the next generation to foiling through SailGPโs Inspire program, the partnership with Armstrong and other foiling gear manufacturers continues to push performance while opening the sport to new riders worldwide. Through SailGPโs Inspiring the Next Generation program, athletes, coaches and local partners worked together to introduce young riders to foiling through clinics, demonstrations and on-water experiences around the world.
The SailGP Inspire program is the leagueโs official community, education, and outreach initiative. Its primary mission is to diversify the sport of sailing by breaking down race, gender, and socioeconomic barriers. By the end of 2025, the program had already engaged over 34,000 young people globally, with a newly set ambitious target to reach 100,000 participants by 2030. In partnership with brands like Mubadala (Global Series Partner) and Armstrong Foils, Inspire provides a direct pathway from local schools to the professional world of high-performance foiling.
The program is built on three core pillars: Learning, Careers, and Racing.
The Three Pillars of Inspire
- Inspire Learning (Ages 9โ15): This is an educational “science lab on water.” It uses the F50 catamarans to teach STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) concepts. Students participate in technical site tours, learn how the boats are “Powered by Nature,” and engage in sustainability projects like building recyclable model boats.
- Inspire Careers (Ages 18โ23): This pillar provides young professionals with 1โ2 weeks of immersive work experience within the SailGP ecosystem. Roles span across boat building, hydraulics, rigging, sustainability, and media services. It is designed to showcase the diverse professional paths available in the marine industry beyond just being an athlete.
- Inspire Racing (Under 21): This is the competitive arm where talented young athletes showcase their skills on the global stage.
- WASZP Racing: High-performance foiling dinghy racing that culminates in a “Grand Final” where event winners compete for a $10,000 prize purse and an F50 internship.
- Wing Foiling (The Armstrong Partnership): Specifically for riders aged 15โ20, this program features live, televised freestyle and course racing demonstrations during SailGP event weekends.
2026 Application Criteria & Upcoming Stops
If you are looking to get involved in the Wing Foiling or Racing segments for the 2026 season, keep these details in mind:
| Event Location | Dates (2026) | Application Requirements |
| Perth, Australia | Jan 17โ18 | Ages 15โ20 (Wing) / Under 21 (WASZP) |
| Auckland, NZ | Feb 14โ15 | Intermediate to advanced ability |
| Portsmouth, UK | July 25โ26 | Must be local or able to travel to the event |
| Sassnitz, Germany | Aug 22โ23 | Gender-balanced selection (50/50 goal) |
The SailGP Inspire Application page serves as the official portal for young wing foilers looking to join the elite world of professional foiling. This program, a collaboration between Armstrong Foils and SailGP, is designed to scout and showcase the next generation of talent by giving them a global platform to perform. Selected participants don’t just get to ride; they become part of the event’s official broadcast, performing freestyle and course racing demonstrations right in front of the grandstands. It is a high-intensity, “long weekend” experience that focuses on building connections with peers, learning from professional F50 athletes, and “sharing the stoke” with a worldwide audience.
Application Overview & Requirements
- Target Demographic: Applicants must be between 15 and 20 years old at the time of the event.
- Skill Level: The program requires intermediate to advanced wing foiling ability. Participants must be comfortable with both high-speed course racing and freestyle maneuvers.
- Commitment: Successful applicants must be available from Thursday afternoon through Sunday of the specific event weekend.
- Location & Logistics: While the program is open to all, priority is often given to those local to the event or those able to travel to the venue at their own expense.
- Gender Balance: A core mission of the application process is to achieve a 50/50 gender representation to promote inclusivity in the sport.
- The Experience:
- Direct access to SailGP Tech Sites and F50 teams.
- Live, globally televised performance windows.
- Use of premium Armstrong Foils gear (A-Wing V2 and high-performance foil setups).
Visit Inspire partners page for more information at https://sailgp.com/about/partners/inspire-partners
