After months of training camps run from their base in Barcelona, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Youth squad is now ready and eager to begin racing. Starting from tomorrow, 12 nations will face off in Port Olímpic in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup. Now in its third edition, the event also marks the third time the Swiss team has challenged for the renowned title. Teams will compete on the AC40 foiling boat – which can travel up to 45 knots, or over 80kph – in one-design mode, meaning the racing will all come down to the skill and teamwork of the sailors onboard.

For skipper Jann Schüpbach, 23, representing his country holds special significance. “It’s a great honour – and responsibility – to represent Switzerland in the America's Cup. We're the only European nation to have ever won the Cup. Knowing that we’ve given everything in the preparation is a good feeling going into the racing.” Trimmer Marie Mazuay, 19, says the team’s early experiences in the fleet racing will be key. “Now the event is here, every hour counts. The learning curve is steep. We’re going to be learning and improving every race, every lap.”

The Swiss America’s Cup team is currently competing in the Louis Vuitton Cup in Barcelona, vying for the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing trophy. With five sailors in its roster having previously competed in the Youth America’s Cup, the competition opens doors for aspiring professional sailors, further supported by Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s Shore & Tech pathway. “This event is giving the chance for young sailors to sail in the Formula 1 of sailing,” says Matías Bühler, Head Coach for the Swiss Youth and Women’s teams. “I also think them competing in these boats is inspiring a lot of younger sailors around the world.”