CUP BLOG: K-CHALLENGE ‘AKADEMY’ SEEKS NEXT-GEN TALENT
K-Challenge representing the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez has opened the doors to the next generation of foiling talent with their initiative in collaboration with the French Sailing Federation (FFVoile) and the National Institute of Nautical Studies (Institut National du Nautique).
Applications are open until Thursday 5th February for the 2026–2027 K-Challenge ‘Akademy,’ an excellence program dedicated to young talents and women aspiring to high performance in high-speed foiling boats.
The stated objective is very, very clear: /To be ready for the 2027 Youth & Women's America's Cup in Naples.
Conceived as a collective of excellence, the K-Challenge Akademy aims to identify, train, and support, in cooperation with the FFVoile, athletes capable of performing in one of the most demanding environments in sailing: foiling boats.
It also opens up opportunities in support roles that contribute to performance (data analysis, human performance, coaching, technical team, etc.).
In 2026 and 2027, the selected athletes will sail on cutting-edge boats such as the ETF26 or even the AC40. They will also have the opportunity to train on the AC40 simulator at the National Sailing Institute.
Arguably the most famous graduate of the K-Challenge Youth programme has been Enzo Balanger who stormed through in 2024 to lead the French Youth America’s Cup team before going on to win the International Moth World Championships, supported by K-Challenge, on Lake Garda in 2025.
Speaking about the K-Challenge Akademy, Enzo said: “I joined the K-Challenge Akademy for the America’s Cup last year in Barcelona. For me, joining K-Challenge meant not just sailing on flying boats, but also entering an environment that is professional, demanding and focused on the future. Above all, you join a project that opens real gateways to the K-Challenge teams.”
Amelie Riou, who competed onboard the K-Challenge AC40 at the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona, further added: If I had to summarise, for me, it's a facilitator for discovering flying boats, but also improving your foiling culture while continuing to excel and above all, discovering the professional world of sailing. By joining the Akademy you are joining a group of young women dedicated to high performance. You compete on cutting edge ETF26 boats, AC40 simulators, and the ACC40.”
An amazing opportunity for young French sailors to shine at the pinnacle of sailing – the Louis Vuitton 38thAmerica’s Cup in Naples, 2027. More details on how to apply can be found HERE
Magnus Wheatley