June 6, 2025
2 minutes reading time
Charting a new course for Uruguay’s young sailors
Uruguay's sailing community is looking to the future with renewed energy after successfully hosting a groundbreaking Level 1 Technical Course for Coaches.
Held from 12-18 May 2025 at the picturesque Yacht Club Uruguayo, 14 enthusiastic participants delved into the intricacies of sailing instruction under the guidance of World Sailing Coach Developer Maria Hackerott, laying a robust foundation for nurturing future talent.
Funded by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity Fund and delivered by World Sailing Coach Maria Hackerott, the course was a direct outcome of Alexandra Williman’s impactful scholarship project, “Developing a Youth Performance Pathway,” a testament to her dedication following her participation in the 2024 World Sailing Scholarship.
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The collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn were palpable throughout the week. “It was a joy to contribute to the technical development of sailing in Uruguay,” shared Maria Hackerott. “This kind of initiative is incredibly enriching, not only due to the knowledge shared through the World Sailing content, but also because of the exchange among participants. The group managed to create a light, respectful, and curious environment that really supported learning throughout the week.”
Alexandra Williman added, “As we move forward, it is exciting to see how every step we take is shaping the future of sailing in Uruguay. Together with World Sailing, we are creating something meaningful for the next generation of sailors. Our focus is on developing an inclusive and well-trained environment where young athletes are empowered, while also building a solid foundation for the sport’s long-term growth. Each effort, no matter how small, is a step towards a stronger and more connected sailing community. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are looking forward to what’s ahead.”
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The culmination of the course was a special certificate ceremony attended by the Uruguayan NOC, recognising the dedication of the newly certified coaches.
Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development, said, “The promise of a bright future for sailing in Uruguay proves the value of the World Sailing Scholarship and the importance of fuelling the ambition of sailors around the world. Growth of the sport depends on coaching coaches to train others and here we have empowered one coach to inspire a further 14. Those participants now have the opportunity to go forth and share their knowledge with more sailors at their clubs in Uruguay and across the continent.”
This initiative is more than just a training program; it is a promise of a brighter future for youth sailing in Uruguay and has set the stage for a new generation of Uruguayan sailors to emerge.
Later this year, Yacht Club Uruguayo will host the World Sailing National Race Officer Level 2 Course and an International Judges Clinic. Both courses will be a great step forward in training and developing the team, and sailing in Uruguay, especially with the 2026 Optimist South American Championship event being held in Montevideo next year.