The first African training camp for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games took place in Hammamet, Tunisia, bringing together ten young sailors from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Senegal, and Egypt. The event, held under the supervision of World Sailing, marks a decisive step in the expansion of sailing across the African continent ahead of the upcoming youth competition in Dakar, Senegal.
Supported by Tahe Outdoors, the programme included technical sessions, video analysis and practical training adapted to different skill levels, led by international coaches Lucie Pianazza and Patrik Pollak. Through this initiative, World Sailing strengthens its development strategy in Africa amid growing regional interest in sailing and increased cooperation among national federations.
New programmes and partnerships
World Sailing has expanded its presence in Africa through technical training and structural development initiatives. In 2023, the organisation conducted its first coaching course in Sudan, financed by the Olympic Solidarity Programme of the International Olympic Committee, providing technical instruction to local coaches and supporting the establishment of emerging national federations. Meanwhile, projects such as the Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation in South Africa have become a reference for their educational and inclusive approach.
“The goal is not only to train sailors but also to build national structures capable of sustaining sailing development in the long term,” World Sailing stated in a recent press release. These initiatives are part of the Emerging Nations Programme, created to provide technical and logistical support to countries with limited sailing tradition and facilitate their access to international competition.
Towards Dakar 2026
The rise of African sailing comes at a pivotal time. Dakar 2026 will be the first-ever Youth Olympic Games held on African soil. Sailing, represented by the Techno293 class, will be the only nautical discipline featured in the competition. World Sailing has confirmed the official equipment and race format, allowing national federations to plan their training and selection processes well in advance.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the development of sailing in Africa connects closely with the continent’s blue economy and coastal sustainability policies. Africa’s more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline provide a unique opportunity to integrate nautical sports within broader strategies for economic and environmental growth.
Training and opportunity
In South Africa, the Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation has been a pioneer in expanding youth participation, particularly among girls, through school and community-based programmes. One of its early projects, in partnership with Mowat Park High School, encouraged female students to take up sailing, resulting in several athletes progressing into regional and international circuits.
A notable example is Deizy Nhaquile from Mozambique, the first sailor from her country to qualify for the Olympic Games, following her participation in the Emerging Nations Programme. Her progress reflects the tangible results of World Sailing’s investment in training opportunities and its commitment to opening the sport to new regions.
The president of World Sailing recently highlighted that “Africa has unique resources for the development of sailing but needs sustained support and greater international visibility.” Building on that vision, the organisation is advancing a pan-African strategy led by figures such as Hedi Gharbi, focused on promoting sustainability, gender equality, and the establishment of sailing schools in coastal areas.
