America’s Cup defender Oracle Team USA sails the AC45, a fantastical wing sail catamaran that literally flies across the water. Led by CEO Russell Coutts, the team has set its sights on a third consecutive win, this time in tropical Bermuda, 2017.
The Hobie® Wave is a catamaran too, one just right for the young sailors of the America’s Cup Endeavour Programme. Hobie has provided a fleet for the use of the school-aged kids of Bermuda. The kids see the two styles of catamaran and instantly make the connection.
“The Waves are just like the Americas Cup boats but smaller, so you can get to experience how the Americas Cup catamarans feel,” says Rose, a Bermuda High School student. “It takes a crew to go fast so you can build team work.” Just like on the AC45.
When Oracle Team USA brought the America’s Cup to Bermuda, Coutts wanted to leave a legacy for the local community. One that surpasses a learn to sail program for students that otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to experience the water – itself a worthwhile goal. The AC Endeavour Programme is much more, a 5-day Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math curriculum for Bermuda’s 8- to 12-year old students.
Students create anemometers to measure the speed of the wind, learn about hydrofoil technology, and live as a sailor for a day.
“There’s no barrier, no cost to participate in the course. There’s no need to buy a spray top,” says Tom Herbert-Evans, AC Endeavour Community Sailing Manager.
Herbert-Evans says the Hobie Waves are wonderful learning platforms. Even when winds speeds are high and challenging, the kids can safely sail with their certified instructors. The kids enjoy it.
“It was incredible. It changed my perspective of sailing. As I have never done it before the Hobie experience was fresh and exiting. I loved it,” says Kristy, a Bermuda High School student.
Herbert-Evans says the AC Endeavour Programme will serve 700 Bermuda students this year. The curriculum is complemented by a summer sailing program, and although the 35th America’s Cup will be contested in 2017, Herbert-Evans says funding has already been set aside to operate the AC Endeavour Programme as its own entity, long after the Cup has moved on.
Additional America’s Cup Endeavour Program Info on HobieCat.com
