JAJO Team DutchSail Selected for UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup
JAJO Team DutchSail Announced for UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup
17-26 September & 5-13 October 2024
JAJO Team DutchSail coaches Postma, Bes, and Van Dongen have finalized the selection of 10 sailors for the UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona next month. The team features Olympic champions Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz.
JAJO Team DutchSail
Youth Team Members:
- Aleksandr Moliakov
- Bart Lambriex
- Bjarne Bouwer
- Eliott Savelon
- Paul Hameeteman
Women’s Team Members:
- Annette Duetz
- Arianne van de Loosdrecht
- Ismene Usman
- Odile van Aanholt
- Willemijn Offerman
About the UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup
The UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup are integral to the 37th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, featuring 12 teams competing in each category. The teams comprise youth and women’s representatives from established America’s Cup teams and invites from six countries: the Netherlands (DutchSail), Germany, Sweden, Canada, Spain, and Australia. Both competitions will be held in the AC40 class, with each team fielding four sailors: two helmsmen/women and two trimers. The UniCredit Youth America’s Cup is scheduled for September 17 to 26, followed by the Puig Women’s America’s Cup from October 5 to 13.
Selection Process Overview
The selection for the JAJO team DutchSail began over a year and a half ago, with more than 60 registrations. Initially, 25 athletes were chosen, which was later narrowed down to 12. These athletes have dedicated extensive training time over the past year, balancing their preparation with existing (Olympic) sailing commitments, including time on the AC40 simulator and participation in match racing and regattas in the 69F class. For optimal training in the AC40, the final team comprises only ten sailors.
Unfortunately, this means that Wiebrand de Vos will not compete in Barcelona. Earlier, it was also determined that Maxime Jonker would prioritize her studies over participation.
Head coach PieterJan Postma expressed gratitude to both Wiebrand and Maxime for their contributions. He remarked on the challenging decision to not take Wiebrand, explaining that the youth male competitors were closely matched, making selection difficult. However, with limited training time in the AC40, it is crucial to ensure those selected can maximize their preparation.
Strategic Decision-Making
Postma emphasized the importance of making timely decisions to maintain a positive and focused training environment. “We want to be ‘ahead of the game,'” he stated. Early decision-making fosters stability and reduces tension, allowing the team to stay mentally prepared for the upcoming challenges. The JAJO Team DutchSail youth will arrive in Barcelona on September 5 and begin sailing on the AC40 on September 10, while the women’s team will also be present to support and learn from their youth counterparts.
Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.