[Source: Objective Australia] Objective Australia has been selected to compete for the inaugural Youth America’s Cup in September 2013. Objective Australia was chosen after successfully competing in a rigorous selection series in San Francisco against 11 other international youth sailing teams.

Tony Walls, Team Principal, Objective Australia said, “We are thrilled to be selected as the first Australian team to compete for America’s Cup success in over a decade. The Objective Australia team worked very hard in the lead up to, and during, the Selection Series held earlier this month. Our selection confirms that Australia has some of the most talented young sailors in the world. We want all young Australians to know that dreams do come true and there is a reward for hard work. The chance to compete for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

During the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup selection series, 12 national teams were evaluated for sailing performance, fitness and overall professionalism.

Objective Australia is selected for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / America’s Cup

The 19 to 25 year old sailors representing the five national teams taking part in the September Youth America’s Cup are considered by the selectors to be amongst the best young sailors in the world. Objective Australia’s Sailing Director and Coach Traks Gordon said, “For these young Australian sailing athletes, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase their talent on the world stage. Now the focus is on continuing our development to ensure they rise to the next level of competition and have the best chance of success in the Youth America’s Cup.”

Objective Australia will train locally before returning to San Francisco to take part in the Youth America’s Cup training period from July to September. The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup is scheduled for 1-4 September 2013 in San Francisco in the middle of the America’s Cup racing season.