The University of Plymouth has today been announced as an official partner of the SailGP Inspire Program – the global league’s education and outreach programme created to increase diversity and accessibility within the sport of sailing.
Plymouth - Britain’s Ocean City - will play host to the world’s most spectacular sail racing as fans witness high-intensity foiling F50 catamarans take flight. In addition to having two action-filled race days on 17-18 July, SailGP Inspire runs alongside the main event as a first-of-its-kind global youth sailing and career programme used as a force for good and a tool to develop life-long skills.
Through Inspire’s three distinct programmes – Learning, Careers, and Racing – SailGP is able to build a future for youth through sustainable sport. Inspire programmes promote climate advocacy through clean energy initiatives, and forge pathways to a more diverse and inclusive sport.
The University is the official partner of the Inspire Careers programme. The partnership will offer students the opportunity to apply for a set number of career internships across a number of key SailGP technical and operational areas. These include areas such as boatbuilding, rigging, hydraulics, wing assembly, hospitality, sustainability, and data analytics.
The University's Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, Professor Judith Petts CBE, said;
“The University of Plymouth is delighted to be an official partner of SailGP Inspire and to play a part in bringing this exciting global event to Britain’s Ocean City. Our waterside location brings many benefits to our student experience, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to get hands-on career experience in an event of a global scale that the world’s eyes will be on. We are especially proud to also be working with our alumnus, celebrated professional yachtsman, Conrad Humphreys, who is heading up the on-water operations for the event.”Tom Herbert-Evans, Head of Inspire, added:
“Each event throughout the season presents an opportunity for SailGP to have more young people join our vision to Race for the Future - one that is inclusive and affords equal access to the sport we are so passionate about. By sharing our platform, we are better poised to ensure our league’s efforts to make a positive social and environmental impact are met.”