Olympic Pathways Camps are returning in 2027 as US Sailing and Oakcliff renew their partnership to open doors for American sailors eager to explore Olympic-class racing. Building on a successful summer program held in San Pedro, California, the two organizations are expanding their efforts to help more athletes understand what it takes to pursue an Olympic campaign.
The next camp is scheduled for January 8–10, 2027, in Miami, Florida. Over three days, participants will gain hands-on experience sailing three Olympic classes—the 49erFX, Nacra 17, and 470—while learning about the planning, resources, and commitment required to mount a successful Olympic campaign. The program is designed to illuminate the pathway to the Games and show sailors how US Sailing and Oakcliff can support their journey.
Giselle Nyenhuis, Olympic Development Program Manager at US Sailing, emphasized the camp’s mission. “Olympic Pathways Camps are about helping sailors see what’s possible and giving them the experience and information they need to explore their next steps,” she said. “By introducing athletes to Olympic-class boats and connecting them with experienced coaches and resources, we hope to make the pathway to Olympic sailing more accessible and help sailors understand what pursuing an Olympic campaign could look like for them.”
B Lindsay, High Performance Director at Oakcliff Sailing, echoed that enthusiasm. “One of the most exciting parts of our camp in San Pedro was seeing sailors begin to realize that an Olympic campaign could be a realistic possibility for them,” Lindsay remarked. “We want to build on that momentum by continuing to give athletes access to the boats, coaching and knowledge they need to take the next step. We’ll begin 2027 in Miami and continue creating these opportunities for sailors across the country.”
The Miami camp is only the start of an ambitious 2027 calendar. US Sailing and Oakcliff are planning additional opportunities at locations across the country. A major highlight will be a two-week Olympic Campaign Bootcamp running June 5–15, 2027, at Oakcliff’s campus in Oyster Bay, New York. Timed to coincide with summer break for many high school and college sailors, the Bootcamp will immerse athletes in the full Olympic campaign experience. Participants will receive dedicated coaching and access to Oakcliff’s extensive facilities, including its sail loft, boat shop, gym, bunkhouse, and kitchen. The program gives athletes a firsthand look at the resources and day-to-day commitment involved in running an Olympic campaign.
Another Olympic Pathways Camp is planned for San Pedro, California, later in the summer. Details about these and other opportunities will be announced as they are added to the calendar.
For more information, sailors can contact Giselle Nyenhuis at US Sailing (gisellenyenhuis@ussailing.org) or B Lindsay at Oakcliff Sailing (highperformance@oakcliffsailing.org).
