The sailing academy provides a valuable pathway to the world of elite sailing and it has developed into one of the most prestigious and advanced academies in Switzerland. Over the course of club’s history, they have achieved a number of high-level sporting successes, with many participants going on to make the Swiss National teams, or even become world champions in their class and age group.
Sporting performance and excellence are an integral part of the club’s DNA and training the next generation to become the sporting elite of tomorrow is at the heart of the priorities of the Société Nautique de Genève and its schools. This is an aspiration we share at EFG, as nurturing the next generation of talent is an important strand that underpins many of our global partnerships.
Clubs around the world play a vital role in enabling aspiring young sailors to fulfil their potential and provide a foundation for them to learn important life skills, such as confidence, teamwork and a respect for the water. EFG’s commitment to sailing spans all levels of the sport, from clubs right up to one of the greatest team challenges, in the form of Team Malizia’s participation in The Ocean Race. After nearly six months at sea, The Ocean Race reaches its conclusion at the Grand Finale in Genova, Italy at the end of June.
During this edition of The Ocean Race, Will Harris from Team Malizia was the youngest skipper for two of the seven legs. He started his sailing career at the Queen Mary Sailing Club in South West London and it was always a childhood dream to compete in The Ocean Race. Will took some time out during the recent stopover in Aarhus, Denmark, ahead of the start of leg six, to record this special message of encouragement for everyone taking part in this year’s programme and you can watch it here: