Youth America's Cup: For the near and distant future - AC Team Germany looking ahead

AC Team Germany did not manage more than sixth and last place in the qualifying round of the Youth America's Cup. But there were some strong moments. The upward trend over just three days of racing was evident - and could be felt on site in Barcelona.

In an initial interim assessment of the German team, it said: "Our sporting results are not disappointing, but are absolutely within the expected range. We emphasised from the outset that this journey would be a long learning process and a start for the future. It is particularly pleasing that the entire team has undergone an extremely steep learning curve."

As Davids against Goliaths in the Youth America's Cup

It came as no surprise that young teams like the Swedes dominated the demanding powerplay with the AC40 Cuppers at the 3rd Youth America's Cup. The Scandinavians operate with an estimated budget, including service and benefits in kind, which is said to be in excess of ten million euros. What is certain is that the Scandinavians have their own AC40 spoiler, which alone costs around 2.8 million euros and with which they were able to train for many weeks in Spain.

Artemis Technologies also provides intensive support in many areas. For example, the team was able to prepare for the Youth America's Cup in the Artemis high-tech simulator in Belfast.

Thanks to a far-sighted and courageous private initiative by two-time Kiel Olympian, coach and star boat pioneer Marc Pickel, the German team also had its own simulator, on which the sailors have been training intensively since the end of 2023. However, with a total budget of around 300,000 euros, AC Team Germany had never set foot on an AC40 foiler before the short training session for the Youth America's Cup and the three-day regatta.

Tight budget, flaming hearts

The budget had to cover the registration fees totalling around 125,000 euros and at least part of the simulator purchase costs. AC Team Germany turned up for the double event in Barcelona with a low budget, but with hearts set on fire, a lot of commitment and help from family and fans on site.

• Lack of experience prevents bigger things - German team eliminated

Part one - the Youth America's Cup - is now history. The team statement says: "A particular highlight is the tremendous team spirit within the crew. Both the Youth and Women's Teams worked closely and intensively together. This close cooperation on and off the water has helped the entire project progress and strengthens our structure for the challenges ahead."

It is not yet clear who will be in charge of this team on course for an America's Cup comeback and how exactly it will continue. However, the Foiling Academy in Kiel will be at the centre of future activities. After the Youth America's Cup, AC Team Germany states: "Everything we have learnt here will now be incorporated into our preparations for the Puig Women's America's Cup (WAC) and our long-term AC campaign. By properly documenting all races, analyses and learnings, we are ideally equipped for the tasks ahead."

Maru Scheel takes her knowledge to the Women's Cup

AC Team Germany is also focussing on Marus Scheel, who took on the role of skipper in the Youth America's Cup. The team's interim report states: "Maru in particular has emerged as a key player for the WAC team in recent weeks, thanks to her many hours on the AC40. Her experience will be invaluable for the next stage."

The next stage is the Puig Women's America's Cup from 5 October and an exciting question associated with it: Will the women's crew of AC Team Germany also pay tribute to the lack of AC40 experience like the YOuth team, or can Maru Scheel inspire the team with her now intensively acquired knowledge. The other German female sailors have also been closely involved in the youth programme and have learned a lot in the process.

In addition to Maru Scheel from the Kiel Yacht Club, two experienced 49erFX helmswomen will be in the starting blocks: Tina Lutz (Chiemsee Yacht Club) is the Olympic silver medallist from Enoshima. Victoria Jurczok (Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee) is the Olympic ninth-placer from Rio de Janeiro. With complementary skills and strengths, the two top female sailors will probably alternate as helmswomen alongside Maru Scheel - like Paul Farien and Julian Hoffmann in the Youth Team.

Six sailors, one goal in the Women's America's Cup

Tina Lutz shone in training with the communication skills that are so important in AC40 sailing, while Victoria Jurczok showed a particularly good feel for the boat. Once rivals for Olympic tickets in the 49erFX, the women in AC Team Germany are working side by side towards the same goal after months of intensive simulator training and many other training measures, pulling together as a well-functioning team.

Team captain Carolina Werner (Kieler Yacht-Club), former Nacra 17 foresailor of Paul Kohlhoff and Olympic starter in Rio de Janeiro 2016, and 470 world champion Luise Wanser from the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein are expected to be used as trimmers. 49er foresailor Jill Palland (Norddeutscher Regatta Verein) completes the six-strong crew core in Barcelona.

Former top 49er foresailor Max Boehme was the coach for the German team in the Unicredit Youth America's Cup beforehand and in Barcelona. The German women's team for the Puig Women's America's Cup will be coached by the extremely experienced multiple circumnavigator and Olympic sailor Annie Lush. "She's doing a great job and understands us well. We are a strong team with her," says Carolina Werner.

The Puig Women's America's Cup starts on 5 October - with the women from AC Team Germany: