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Interview with Hannah Mills

I had the privilege of speaking with Hannah Mills in Barcelona before the 37th America’s Cup. We discussed the Athena Pathway, the PUIG Women’s America’s Cup, assembling the team, and the experience of sailing an AC40.

Hannah Mills shared that the Athena Pathway was created to inspire the next generation of sailors, particularly in the UK, to embrace foiling sailing. The program aims to provide opportunities for women in sailing, both on the water and onshore. Additionally, it encourages interest in engineering and STEM careers, highlighting the importance of these fields in addressing climate change.

The project has received strong support from various sources, including financial backing and partnerships with organizations like the Andrew Simpson Foundation and the Greig Academy. The team consists of a diverse group of individuals, both experienced and new to the sport, working together towards a common goal.

One notable addition to the team is Saskia Clark, Hannah’s former 470 sailing partner, who joined the campaign after experiencing the AC40 simulator. Hannah expressed her excitement about sailing the AC40, describing it as a phenomenal experience. She emphasized the challenges of racing in this high-performance boat and adapting to its unique characteristics.

Regarding the technical aspects of sailing the AC40, Hannah compared it to sailing a dinghy, noting the quick adjustments required to maintain optimal speed and performance. She also highlighted the complex challenge of navigating wind shadows and vortexes created by the boats themselves.

In conclusion, Hannah expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming races and the opportunity to compete against a mix of experienced Cup teams and newer entrants. The team continues to learn and adapt to the demands of sailing the AC40, striving to deliver their best performance on the water.

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