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Youth: Our Future State
Many of the Council’s most forward-looking yacht clubs have recognized that their future, and the future of sailing, will be shaped and dominated by members of Generation Z. Colloquially known as the “Zoomers”, born between 1995 and 2010, they are the first generation to have only known life with the internet. For them, portable digital technology is second nature and they’re more at home in Bermuda shorts than in blazers.
Recognizing that this generation sources most of its information and social interface via digital devices, those same clubs have reached out to them digitally, expanding their social media presence, conducting regatta and event registration online and generally augmenting their online presence.
As the America’s Cup celebrations concluded and a 30-year-old lifted the oldest trophy in sport for the second time, there were teenagers watching who will one day follow him to be the Pete Burling of their generation. Pete had followed a path well-trodden, sailing dinghies at the age of 6, winning a 420 World Championship at 16, and two Olympic medals in 49ers before the age of 25. Not every young sailor is going to mirror that trajectory to greatness, but some will, and many will come close.
This generation is no less competitive and more environmentally and socially aware than any preceding it. It is up to ICOYC clubs to set the bar high and demonstrate what sailing has to offer these future superstars.
David Mead
Council President
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