Swedish Challenge, powered by Artemis Technologies, has announced the five sailors who will form the Swedish Challenge Youth Team and compete in the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup from September 17-26, 2024 in Barcelona.
Among them is Felicia Fernström, who has also been selected as part of the Swedish Challenge Women’s Team announced earlier this week:
I'm so excited to be a part of the race team. It’s such a great opportunity to be selected for both the youth and the women’s team. Being around these great sailors in the AC40 but also in the RC44 have really made a big increase to my personal development. Now I'm more than ready to move to Barcelona and start the real work towards the top of both podiums.
Alongside Fernström, the youth team includes: Oscar Engström, Hanno Seifert, Hugo Christensson and Oscar Andersson.
Each of these talented sailors brings a unique set of skills and experience, united by their dedication to sailing and desire to reach the highest level in their sport.
Oscar Engström, who is the skipper and helmsman for the team said:
It is both exhilarating and an honour to represent Sweden this fall in Barcelona. We are a strong group with fantastic support behind us and coaches who love to push us hard. I am more motivated than ever to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity!
The final team has been selected from the Artemis Academy, which is dedicated to cultivating a strong foundation of top-level Swedish foiling athletes. Under the watchful eye of Head Coaches Fredrik Bergström and Kyle Langford, the academy focuses on developing and training both Swedish women and youth sailors, preparing them to compete at the pinnacle of the sport.
Emphasising the importance of youth development, Coach Langford said:
Our goal is to equip young sailors with the skills and experience they need to excel at the highest levels of competition. The Artemis Academy is more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for the future stars of sailing.
The Swedish Challenge sailors have been training onboard their AC40 at Artemis Technologies’ base in Belfast, with Belfast Lough providing the ideal spot to hone their skills.
As a spin-off from the renowned Artemis Racing America’s Cup team, Artemis Technologies uses its world leading technical expertise to support the team, resulting in a showcase that combines the finest sailing talent and cutting-edge technology.
Artemis Technologies CEO, Dr Iain Percy OBE, said:
Our experience in high-performance sailing and maritime design is a significant advantage. Leveraging our technical prowess, operational expertise, and managerial skills we can provide our sailors with the best possible preparation - we know our teams are ready to compete at the highest level and push the boundaries of what is possible in sailing.
Swedish Challenge, powered by Artemis Technologies, is supported by the Royal Swedish Sailing Society (KSSS) and the Gothenburg Royal Sailing Society (GKSS).
Follow Swedish Challenge on social media: @swedishchallengeac37