23 January, 2024 – In the world of foiling, Magenta sailors have become trailblazers, fostering talent and empowering women to conquer the modern world of competitive sailing. As we reflect on the past three years of development, with an increasing number of dynamic teams competing in youth and women’s divisions, it’s time to ask the exciting question: “Where are they now?”
2021 Magenta Foiling Teams
Over the summer of 2021, two women’s and youth teams represented The Magenta Project in the 69F Europe Cup and Youth Foiling Gold Cup, supported by GAC Pindar. The 69F Europe Grand Prix 2 event was held from July 5-10 in Porto Cervo, Sardinia and the Youth Foiling Gold Cup Act 2 event was held from August 13-26 in Limone del Garda, Italy. Four women represented The Magenta Project in each team, following a three-day Magenta training clinic held in Malcesine, Lake Garda with 69F sailing from June 9-11. The aim of the clinic was to upskill female sailors in the 69F class and raise sponsorship to enter two teams in the circuit.
Top Row L-R: Cecilia Zorzi (Italy), Katja Salskov-Iversen (Denmark), Amelie Riou (France), Dominique Ampe (Belgium), Maelle Frascari Bordier (Italy)
Bottom Row L-R: Wakako Kajimoto (Japan), Nina Curtis (Australia), Liv Mackay (New Zealand)
Left: Magenta 69F Women’s Team Right: Magenta 69F Youth Team
The Foiling Pathway
Fast forward to the present, we find Magenta alumni making waves in many sailing arenas. Some have pursued advanced foiling careers, participating in global regattas, with others delving into the professional sailing world. These sailors continue to embody The Magenta Project’s spirit of empowerment and excellence. We catch up with a Magenta alumna and mentee from the annual mentoring programme who have excelled in the foiling world.
Cam Farrah, Magenta alumna 2020/2021, has focused on foiling catamarans, including the Nacra 17s and Foiling A Class catamarans. Cam achieved Foiling A Class Catamaran Women’s World Champion and Junior World Champion in 2022 and defended her title in 2023. Cam has also been sailing with the 69F class since 2021, where she skippered the Magenta Project’s 69F team in the 2021 Youth Foiling Gold Cup. Cam continued 69F sailing through to 2023 culminating in the inaugural Women’s Foiling Gold Cup in Lake Garda. Additionally, Cam had the opportunity to race for the US Sail GP team as strategist in Christchurch, San Francisco and Chicago. Cam’s next goal is the Foiling A Class Catamaran World Championship in 2024.
Cam shared, “The Magenta Project provided me with the opportunity to race 69F in Italy as one of the first few American sailors to gain experience on the boats which were fairly new in 2021. I raced with an all women’s youth team and it was my first time sailing with an international crew which was a great learning experience. My mentor [Katie Pettibone] has played a huge role in my sailing trajectory and has been a great resource as I have navigated the world of high level sailing.”
Above: Cam Farrah (USA)
Jessica Berthoud, Magenta mentee 2023/2024, experienced a steep learning curve when she started foiling after only two years of sailing. Jessica’s first experience was on a Flying Phantom which led to sailing a Nacra 17 and then a GC32 in the 2021 season, one of only three females on the circuit. Following the GC32, Jessica started sailing in the 69F and continued over the next two years. Now she is currently a part of 69F team Group Atlantic. Jessica’s main goal in 2024 is to win the European 69F tour, as the team achieved 2nd place in the European Championships and overall season. Next year, the team is looking to claim both titles. A personal goal is to keep pushing to be in top shape next season, both physically and mentally, as foiling can be a very demanding aspect of sailing.
Jessica shared, “I had the opportunity to meet up with Meg and Leah at the METS this [past] year. It was an inspiring conversation with many other people and learning about the Magenta 69F campaign was amazing to be able to help out with some playbooks and tips on the boat. It’s not always about the Magenta project giving to us but it’s also us giving to them when we can, to thank them for everything they have put into place for us!”
Above: Jessica Berthoud (NZ/Sui)
Looking Ahead to 2024
As we celebrate the achievements of our foiling sailors since 2021, it’s time to set our sights on the future. The Magenta Project is gearing up for an exciting new campaign in 2024, an entirely new team of Magenta alumni who will once again aim to compete in the 69F Women’s and European circuits. The Magenta Foiling Team came together following the Try-Foiling clinic held in collaboration with Foiling Week in June-July 2023.
Following these events, the international all-female sailing team dedicated their time and efforts to coordinating their first 69F training camp in Barcelona last December. This two day camp included on-water coaching and post-training debriefs with the entire team, including fitness recommendations and planning for the year ahead. The team is currently fundraising and seeking sponsorship partners to continue the campaign with training and racing events scheduled throughout 2024. Their goal is to continue the campaign long-term into future seasons, creating a new foiling pathway programme to the elite end of the sport.
Above: Magenta Foiling Team, December 2023 Barcelona Training Camp
Above: Magenta Foiling Team, December 2023 Barcelona Training Camp
In the ever-evolving world of foiling, Magenta sailors continue to be a source of inspiration. Those who competed on the 69F circuit in 2021, and our alumni from around the world, have carved their own unique paths and their stories continue to unfold. As we eagerly await the next chapter of the Magenta Foiling Team in 2024, let’s celebrate the past, present, and future of these exceptional athletes who embody the spirit of female excellence in the sport of sailing.
We invite you to stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the team’s preparation for the 2024 circuit on Instagram, Facebook, and our webpage.
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