A partnership that could shape a generation of New Zealand sailors has been formalised, with Emirates Team New Zealand confirmed as the naming partner of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Youth Training Programme. For one of the country's most respected high-performance development pathways, it represents a significant new era.
The programme has been running for 39 years and carries a well-earned reputation as a premier route for talented young Kiwi sailors. Its founding philosophy has always aimed to develop more than just competitive racers, with the ambition of producing well-rounded people, and the track record backs that up. More than 40 graduates have gone on to work at Emirates Team New Zealand in roles spanning the full breadth of the team base.
The naming partnership builds on ties that already run deep. Emirates Team New Zealand's involvement will give the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron substantially more capacity to prepare sailors for competition at the highest levels of the sport. Earlier collaboration had already laid the groundwork, including Emirates Team New Zealand's gifting of the Elliott 7 fleet to the programme, a contribution that remains a cornerstone of day-to-day training and development.
RNZYS Commodore David Blakey made clear how much the announcement meant to the club.
"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Emirates Team New Zealand as a major supporter of our Youth Training Programme, now proudly rebranded as the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme. Recognised as world-leading, the programme continues to nurture talented young sailors and open pathways into successful careers across the professional yachting world. This landmark partnership comes at the perfect time, as we enter an exciting new era with Harry Thurston as coach and look ahead to celebrating the programme's 40th anniversary next year."
Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton spoke to the broader importance of a functioning pipeline between grassroots participation and elite competition.
"The pathway from grassroots to the pinnacle of our sport is critical, and the RNZYS Youth Training Programme has consistently delivered exceptional talent. We are proud to support the programme and invest in the future of New Zealand sailing by helping create opportunities for the next generation."
Youth Training Programme Performance Sailing Coach Harry Thurston arrives in the role with a connection to it that goes beyond the professional. A graduate of the programme himself, Thurston also raced as a Red Bull Youth America's Cup sailor and has spent time embedded with Emirates Team New Zealand. That personal experience gives weight to his perspective on what this partnership offers those currently working their way through the ranks. "This support not only strengthens the programme financially, but it also creates a meaningful connection between developing sailors and a team competing at the very highest level. It's incredibly exciting, and another reason why it's such a great time to be stepping into this role."
Backed by stronger finances and a closer institutional relationship with one of world sailing's leading outfits, the newly named Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme is well placed to continue doing what it has always done best: producing great sailors and, more importantly, great people.
