The ALCA is rolling out ‘Youth Solidarity’ as a national program. A similar program has been running in Europe since 2018. It is designed to encourage more girls & boys into Laser sailing via the Laser 4.7 (ILCA4) pathway. Details here: EurILCA Solidarity Programme | Youth Sailing Promotion

Initially the focus for the ALCA will be on female sailors. Less than 20% of our national membership is female.

We can help Australian Sailing achieve their 2032 goals outlined in the 10-year strategic plan:

“GROW- 50% female participants.”

“WIN- We are the leading Olympic & World Championship sailing nation.”

AS strategic plan:

ALCA Youth Solidarity will be launched for the 2023 Oceania & Australian Youth Championship at Georges River Sailing Club, Jan 1-8, 2023.

A young female sailor from each state & territory in Australia will be offered the following opportunity:

·       Free entry into the championship.

·       Free ILCA 4.7 in race condition.

·       Free squad coaching during the regatta.

·       Free Solidarity squad clothing supplied by PSA and Vaikobi

The selection process will conducted by the 5 State Laser districts plus NT Laser association.

The selections will not be limited to sailors currently in the Laser class. Female sailors considered to have potential can come from any class if they meet the criteria of minimum body weight 50kg and age 13 to 16 yrs.

Application forms & promotional material for district websites will be provided by the end of this week. They will also be posted on Lasers Down Under

Important- we are looking for new & upcoming talent so please don’t select someone who would be attending the event anyway.

Please forward this advance notification to your district committee members.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at GRSC & hope you will wholeheartedly support this initiative to help more girls into Laser sailing & hopefully identify a world champion.

Regards

Ken Hurling, OAM

President, ALCA & OLCA