Simulators, high-speed racing and Top Gun vibes – a crew of Canadian women is ready to race in a milestone sailing event that aims to upskill women and propel more into roles at the top of the sport
The America ’s Cup will finally include a women’s regatta for the first time in the event's 173-year history.The America ’s Cup is the pinnacle of sailing, and the oldest competition in international sports. It features the world’s top sailors, cutting-edge yacht technology and has long been the preserve of wealthy men. Now, for the first time in its 173-year history, the event will finally include a women’s regatta.
“It’s about time women were on this stage competing,” said Vancouver sailor Isabella Bertold, captain of Canada’s crew. “It’s not just about the women on this boat, but it’s about growing the pathway for women in sailing as a whole.” At first, funds came slowly, in small donations from their sailing community. Eventually big Canadian companies stepped up – Concord Green Energy, Dilawri, RBC and Telus – to form Concord Pacific Racing, also sponsoring a Canadian crew for the youth America’s Cup, which just finished in Barcelona. The two teams held evaluation camps together to try out elite Canadians from many classes of sailing, to learn foil technology and train.
On the boat’s left, 28-year-old Ali ten Hove from Kingston is the port driver, with 26-year-old Toronto native Mariah Millen as trimmer. That duo partnered at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago and earned a silver medal at the 2023 Pan Am Games sailing in the 49er FX. Both have fathers who sailed in the Olympics.
The Canadians eventually moved to Barcelona in recent months, where their training included a sophisticated AC40 simulator. The sailors sat for hours in an office in front of a large screen using the videogame-like technology with identical controls and displays used in the boat they will race. Since all the teams learn with simulators, they could compete in virtual practice regattas online.
Trust and communication is crucial while racing fast against other AC40s on the water, as boats take positions of power on one another and make tight turns. Especially since the women are seated on opposite sides of the boat, with a sail dividing the middle and restricting their views.
Cup America Canada Boat Women Bertold Sailing Crew Emirates Team New Zealand RBC Kingston
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