Women Sailors Shine on AC40s: Woodall, Bilger, Sanderson & Mackay
Auckland, New Zealand – Emirates Team New Zealand is intensifying preparations for the upcoming America’s Cup, shifting its focus to high-intensity training and crew selection with the AC40 class yachts. The team is simultaneously preparing for both the Women’s America’s Cup and the Preliminary Regattas scheduled for , in Sardinia.
The current training phase is designed to identify the sailors who will represent New Zealand in the Women’s America’s Cup, set to take place in Naples in . Alongside this, the team is evaluating candidates for the second AC40 which will compete in the 2026 Preliminary Regattas, a crucial component of the overall America’s Cup campaign.
A notable figure participating in the AC40 training is Erica Dawson, an Olympic bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Games. Dawson was a key member of the Emirates Team New Zealand Women’s America’s Cup team during the inaugural competition in Barcelona. Her return to the team for the Naples event signifies a continuation of New Zealand’s commitment to developing female sailing talent.
“It is so good to finally get on the water, to just get the feeling of the boat, and to have a really good run of time out there,” Dawson said, following weeks spent honing her skills in the Emirates Team New Zealand simulator. The simulator work, according to the team, is designed to build crucial muscle memory before sailors transition to live training on the water.
Dawson’s role is evolving within the team. Having previously focused on trimming, she is now transitioning to helming. “It’s really cool because I’m not trimming anymore, now I am helming. I really enjoy getting on the wheel. It’s a whole different ball game with a lot more to learn, but with the full sailing team integrated into our time on the water, we are learning as much as we can from them,” she explained.
The team’s broader development program also includes a new cohort of promising Kiwi sailors. Serena Woodall, Stella Bilger, Aimee Bright, Sofia Higgott, and Helena Sanderson are among those gaining valuable experience within the America’s Cup environment. This early investment in emerging talent underscores a long-term strategy for sustained success in the competition.
According to Kevin Shoebridge, Emirates Team New Zealand’s Chief Operating Officer, the return to on-water training after a year of behind-the-scenes development is a significant milestone. “It’s basically been a year since the last race in Barcelona,” Shoebridge stated. “We finally started our sailing programme, which is a great milestone for the team. Although there’s a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes… sailing is the reason you do it really. It reinvigorates the place.”
The current training block prioritizes re-establishing crew chemistry and refining handling skills. Skipper Nathan Outteridge is rotating sailors through various positions onboard the AC40, fostering versatility and a shared understanding of the yacht’s dynamics. “This block is about getting back into sailing, really,” Outteridge said. “Getting used to the AC40s again and giving all the new team members a chance to sail in different positions and start to feel at home.”
The America’s Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in the sailing world, has a long and storied history. Originally contested around the Isle of Wight in England, the Cup has become a symbol of national pride and technological innovation. The current competition, AC38, is being held in Naples, Italy, marking a return to European waters after the Barcelona event.
The AC40 class yachts represent a key component of the current America’s Cup cycle. These one-design foiling monohulls are designed to provide a challenging and accessible platform for teams to develop their skills and test new technologies. The Preliminary Regattas, featuring the AC40s, serve as a crucial proving ground for sailors and a precursor to the main event in Naples.
Emirates Team New Zealand’s preparations reflect a broader trend within the America’s Cup community: a growing emphasis on youth development and the integration of female sailors. The inclusion of athletes like Serena Woodall, Stella Bilger, and Erica Dawson signals a commitment to diversifying the sport and fostering a more inclusive environment. This shift is not merely symbolic; it acknowledges the talent and potential within a wider pool of sailors, potentially unlocking new levels of performance and innovation.
The team’s focus on both the Women’s America’s Cup and the Preliminary Regattas demonstrates a strategic approach to the competition. By simultaneously developing talent for both events, Emirates Team New Zealand aims to maximize its chances of success in Naples and beyond. The intensive training regime, coupled with the integration of experienced sailors and emerging talent, positions the team as a strong contender for the America’s Cup title.