Aspiring 29er
An exciting new pathway for young sailors looking to step up to the 29er.
Your Pathway to the 29er
The Aspiring 29er initiative is designed to welcome new Victorian sailors into the class and support them every step of the way. Whether you're just curious about the boat or ready to race, we have something for you.
Book your training today!
Fun & Friendship
We're committed to fostering a fun, welcoming and supportive learning environment where friendships are made on and off the water.
More than just training!
Introduction Pathway
A structured, one-on-one introduction to the 29er, making it easy to get on the water and learn the boat. We can work with individuals, groups and clubs to get you started.
Training Opportunities
Training opportunities tailored to each sailor's skill level and budget, helping them build confidence, develop their skills and progress in the 29er.
Access & Affordability
Making the 29er more accessible and affordable, with options that allow sailors to get started without the immediate commitment of crew or purchasing their own boat.
Regatta Support & Participation
Helping sailors take the next step into club racing and regattas, with support to build confidence, gain experience and become part of the Victorian 29er fleet.
Victorian Long Squad / Winter Training Camps
We support the Victorian Long Squad (starting 2027) where 29er sailors can learn and grow over four winter camps alongside the ILCA and 420 classes — a fun camp environment to build skills, friendships and get ready for summer.
Victorian Youth Sailing Team
We support the Victorian Youth Sailing Team (starting 2027). For those considering a performance pathway, the VYST provides a great goal to work towards and an opportunity to represent Victoria.
More About the Victorian Long Squad
Vision for the Victorian Long Squad
The Victorian Long Squad is about bringing youth sailors from across Victoria together over winter to train, learn, improve and enjoy sailing as part of a broader Victorian sailing community.
Supported by the Victorian ILCA, 420 and 29er Associations, the Long Squad provides an inclusive program where sailors from different clubs and classes can train at the same venue, build friendships and benefit from the energy of being part of something bigger.
Whether a sailor enjoys competing at club level, is beginning to explore regattas or has ambitions to compete at the highest level, the Long Squad provides an environment in which they can continue developing while remaining connected to their club and class.
At its heart, the aim is simple: more Victorian youth sailors training together, supporting each other and enjoying their sailing.
The objectives of the Long Squad are to:
- Provide regular winter training opportunities for Victorian youth sailors.
- Encourage sailors from different classes to train together and build lasting friendships.
- Support an inclusive environment where all sailors are encouraged to improve.
- Provide a recognised performance pathway through the Victorian Sailing Team.
- Strengthen collaboration between clubs, class associations and coaches.
- Keep participation affordable by sharing resources and hosting camps across Victorian clubs.
- Build a stronger and more connected Victorian sailing community.
How the Victorian Long Squad Will Operate
The Long Squad will operate as a coordinated series of winter training camps hosted by participating Victorian sailing clubs. For 2027, the Victorian Long Squad will consist of four winter weekend camps between May and September, hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club, Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club, Mornington Yacht Club and Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
All Victorian youth sailors in the participating classes will be welcome. Sailors will undertake class-specific coaching organised by their respective Class Association, while sharing the venue with sailors from the other classes.
Bringing everyone together creates more than just another training weekend. It provides opportunities for sailors to meet and train alongside others from across Victoria, catch up with friends, participate in shared activities and enjoy the social side of being part of the Victorian youth sailing community.
The camps are not intended to replace club training. They complement the great work already being done by clubs by providing several weekends each winter when sailors from across Victoria can come together in a larger camp environment.
How the Victorian Youth Sailing Team Will Operate
The Victorian Youth Sailing Team (VYST) will operate within the Long Squad as the recognised performance pathway for youth sailors who want to take their sailing further.
Each participating Class Association will establish its own selection criteria and select sailors within its class. This gives aspiring sailors a clear and achievable goal while allowing each class to recognise the different skills, commitment and performance appropriate to its sailors.
VYST sailors will remain part of the broader Long Squad and train alongside other Victorian sailors at the winter camps. Depending on the class, they may also receive additional coaching, development opportunities and support.
Importantly, VYST is intended to create a stronger sense of representing Victoria. When sailors travel interstate, they are not simply travelling as an individual boat or class — they are part of a broader Victorian youth sailing team, with friendships and support extending across clubs and classes.
Getting Started
New to the 29er? These official class videos will get you up to speed on everything from rigging to trapezing.
Guiding Young Minds
We believe social media can pose significant risks for young people.
Rather than encouraging constant online engagement, we believe young sailors benefit more from connecting with the real world, spending time on the water and experiencing nature.
We encourage achievements to be celebrated through sailing clubs, associations, Australian Sailing and trusted sailing media in a responsible and supportive manner.
This philosophy reflects our commitment to healthy development both on and off the water.