Cormorant Ocean Racing · Youth crew
SailingAcademy
From local sailing to offshore racing. A practical pathway for young sailors to race offshore aboard SY Cormorant, coached by former Olympic sailor Hugh Styles.
- Of crew places allocated to young sailors
- 20%
- Applications open 2026
- 26 Aug
- Executive Coach
- Hugh Styles
01 · Cormorant Ocean Racing
From local sailing to offshore racing
Cormorant Ocean Racing is developing a Sailing Academy alongside SY Cormorant's offshore racing programme, creating a practical pathway for young sailors to gain experience beyond local waters and progress into offshore racing.
The focus is on genuine offshore experience, professional coaching and a clear progression from local sailing to international offshore racing.
A practical pathway from local waters to the international racing calendar.
02
Building the Programme
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is the first major step in Cormorant's offshore racing programme. The intention is to build from this into a regular presence on the international racing calendar.
As the programme develops, the Sailing Academy will give young sailors the opportunity to progress alongside it, gaining experience across different types of offshore racing and increasingly challenging conditions.
First campaign
Rolex Middle Sea Race
17 October 2026 · Valletta, Malta
Future targets
- 01 Giraglia Rolex Cup
- 02 Palma Vela
- 03 Future Rolex Middle Sea Races
- 04 Grand Soleil Cup June 2027
- 05 RORC Transatlantic Race 2028
Selected on ability, commitment and enthusiasm.
03
Youth Crew
- 20%
- Of crew places allocated to young sailors
- 26 Aug
- Applications open 2026
20% of crew places will be allocated to young sailors, giving the next generation the opportunity to gain genuine offshore racing experience as part of Cormorant's campaign.
Places will be selected based on ability, commitment and enthusiasm, with applications opening from 26th August 2026.
Youth members of local sailing clubs and those undertaking or having recently completed offshore training are encouraged to apply.
The aim is to provide young sailors with real experience of offshore racing — from preparation and training through to competing as part of an experienced crew.
04
Professional Coaching
To prepare the crew for the demands of offshore racing, we have appointed former Olympic sailor Hugh Styles as Executive Coach.
Hugh will oversee the training programme in the lead-up to the race, working with the crew on the skills, preparation and teamwork required for offshore competition.
Hugh Styles
Executive Coach · Former Olympic sailor
Professional preparation for offshore competition.
05
A Long-Term Plan
The objective is straightforward: build a competitive offshore racing programme while creating opportunities for young sailors.
Starting with Cormorant's Middle Sea Race campaign, the Sailing Academy will provide a route from local sailing into the wider world of offshore racing.
From local sailing to offshore racing.
06 · Youth crew applications
Want to take your sailing offshore?
Applications for youth crew open 26th August 2026.
Who should apply
- Youth members of local sailing clubs
- Sailors undertaking or having recently completed offshore training
- Young sailors ready to commit to training and preparation
- Selection based on ability, commitment and enthusiasm
What happens next
Following your application, the team will review it and be in touch about the selection process and next steps.