A1R Academy
Identifying talent.
Accelerating development.
Building what comes next.
A1R Academy: The Springboard for Talent We Cannot Afford to Lose
The next generation of American sailing talent is already on the water. The A1R Academy gives select emerging athletes the plan, support and experience to take their next leap. With an emphasis on fast-evolving foiling disciplines, the Academy helps athletes move from exceptional promise toward the highest levels of the sport.
The Critical Middle
Talent can emerge anywhere. It can also be lost in the gap between early development and a developed campaign, and A1R’s Academy fills that gap. A1R’s Foiling Pipeline opens the door. The Academy is the springboard. A1R’s Project Podium supports athletes prepared for an Olympic campaign.
A Plan Built Around Each Athlete
Every Academy athlete works with A1R to create a clear development plan with specific goals, expectations and measures of progress. Based on individual needs, support may include coaching, technical training, sports science, mentorship, campaign planning, budgeting and targeted competition in the United States and abroad. Athletes may also have the opportunity to train alongside Project Podium teams and will receive grants from the Sailing Foundation of New York and the Schoonmaker Foundation. Of equal importance, athletes learn to take charge of their progress by setting priorities, managing resources, using performance data and making sound career decisions.
Built for the Next Leap
Selection for the Academy is based on demonstrated potential. Staying in the program depends on continued commitment, growth and performance. The Academy is a springboard, not a permanent destination. Success is not measured by how long they stay, but by whether they are ready for what comes next. For some, that may be Project Podium and an Olympic campaign for 2032 or beyond. For others, it may be SailGP, the America’s Cup, professional racing, or a leadership or technical role in the sport.
The future is being developed today. The A1R Academy exists to make sure its potential is not left to chance.
