With the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar now just over a year away, preparations are already underway. Beyond the event itself, the IOC, World Sailing, and the International Techno293 Class are committed to developing windsurfing and sailing across the African continent – a region still underrepresented on the international stage. A key part of this effort is to raise the level of new talent in African countries that already have access to windsurfing, helping them prepare to compete at the highest level.
The first step in this journey took place last week in Hammamet, Tunisia, where 10 young sailors from six countries – Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Senegal, and Egypt – came together for the very first African training camp. The initiative was made possible with the generous support of Tahe Outdoors, who provided the equipment for the week.
Led by two experienced international coaches, Lucie Pianazza (FRA) and Patrik Pollak (SVK), and supported by local coaches from each nation, the camp created a dynamic and collaborative environment. Two training groups were formed to match different levels of experience. The more advanced athletes trained on regatta courses in Hammamet Bay, guided live by the coaches and monitored with video analysis, while those less experienced worked in more sheltered waters, focusing on core techniques such as board placement, tacking, and jibing.
Each evening, the sailors gathered for debrief sessions where the day’s videos were reviewed together. This reinforced technical lessons and gave all participants the chance to reflect on their progress. The week concluded with strong cohesion in the group, mutual encouragement, and clear steps forward in both skill and confidence.
Adjlia Hamza, coach of the Algerian team, summed it up:
“This week was really very useful for the racers, even if the wind was a little too strong at the end of the course, especially for our girl who had trouble handling the 7.8m² rig. They learned a lot thanks to the very good advice and monitoring of Lucie and Patrik on the water and in the evening with the videos. The young riders also gained a lot of confidence in themselves with the contact with other competitors on the water and on land. They leave Hammamet with the strong desire to sail and progress to reach the level for participation at the YOG.”
Three further training camps are planned across Africa in the coming months, ensuring that this important momentum continues right through to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 (5-12 November).
