The International Sailing Federation has announced that Fiji will host the first of five Emerging Nations Program clinics this week.
24 sailors from the Oceania region will attend the one-week clinic, which begins on Friday in Suva.
Fiji Yachting Association President, Shayne Brodie says the aim of the program is to narrow the performance gap between elite sailing nations such as Australia and New Zealand and the emerging nations in the region.
“This program is quite amazing because it’s the first time that ISAF is providing so much funding. There is over £30,000 of funding. ISAF is providing air tickets, upto 50% for each competitor flying in from different Pacific Island countries, providing all their meals and accommodation so its very beneficial for each sailor and coach.”
Sailors from overseas will remain in the country after the clinic to participate in the Oceania Sailing Championships which begins on the 24th of this month.
