After an intense and competitive Selection Camp, today the Swedish Challenge for the Youth and Puig Women's America's Cup announced their selection of 29 exceptional sailors who have successfully made the Artemis Academy.
The team for the Swedish Challenge, which is powered by Artemis Technologies, a world leading producer of zero-emission vessels, will be chosen from the Artemis Academy, an elite program developed to build a solid foundation of Swedish top level foiling athletes.
Over 120 applied for the Artemis Academy and 60 were accepted to participate in the Selection Camp. Taking place at the Royal Yacht Clubs of Sweden, GKSS and KSSS, the sailors put on an outstanding display of skill, determination and teamwork, making the final choices a testament to the remarkable talent within the Swedish sailing community.
The Swedish Challenge Head Coach, Kyle Langford, and Sailing Team Manager, Fredrik Bergström, were at the Camps to see how the sailors preformed both on the water in WASZPs, and onshore where they trialed the desktop simulator, as well as undertaking physical tests and personal interviews.
Kyle Langford, who has sailed and won both the America's Cup and Sail GP, expressed his admiration for the high calibre of participants during the Selection Camp:
"We have been really impressed with the high quality of sailing and more importantly the enthusiasm of the sailors. The depth of talent in Sweden is really impressive and it shows great signs for the future of sailing in Sweden.
“We were truly impressed by the exceptional skills and dedication displayed by all the participants at the Selection Camp. The standard was exceptionally high, which led us to award more Artemis Academy spots than initially planned. The commitment and drive shown by these young sailors has undoubtedly set the stage for a promising future in competitive sailing."
The selected sailors will now embark on a rigorous training program designed to hone their skills, enhance their teamwork, and prepare them for the challenges of the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and 3rd Youth America’s Cup events. Both events are scheduled to be held in Barcelona in September-October 2024, in parallel with the 37th America’s Cup.
Sailing Team Manager and Olympic silver medalist, Fredrik Bergström, explained:
“The Artemis Academy members will have access to a program of knowledge, coaching, foiling boats and training experiences using the world’s most advanced marine simulator from Artemis Technologies.”
“This program will enable them to compete at the pinnacle of sailing in the most technologically advanced boats in the world. The Artemis Academy aims to not only foster excellence on the water but also to cultivate well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to the sailing community.”
The Artemis Academy will enjoy their first Training Camp at the end of August in WASZPs and Moths.