SailGP have launched its first ever Women’s Accelerator Programme.

The global sailing league have been working alongside its Exclusive Financial Solutions partner, Apex Group, to bring a change-making programme into the world of sport for the first time.

The programme aims to increase representation of women at senior management levels, working towards driving more inclusive decision making through the league and the wider sport.

SailGP’s Women’s Pathway ensures female athletes race on board all ten national teams at every single SailGP event, but the league has an ambition to have a female driver by Season 6.

“When we were originally discussing a potential partnership with SailGP, one of the most important things to both businesses was how we could be mutually impactful for one another in the areas that matter most,” said Rosie Guest, Apex Group’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

“The discussion became really animated when we started talking about our Internal Women’s Accelerator Programme within Apex Group, and the tangible and immediate improvements in gender equity we’d seen as a result.

“We are now extremely proud to be able to share that IP with SailGP and guide them in the construction and delivery of a Women’s Accelerator Program for both their athletes and corporate team members, to ultimately support progression in another equally male dominated industry. I can’t wait to see the results of the programme at the end of this year!”

The programme is designed to provide all participants with support and tools that enable progression within SailGP.

Participants within the programme, will be part of a peer group consisting of four SailGP athletes and eight workforce members from various business departments.

“It’s easy to get lost in the challenges and barriers faced when driving inclusivity in sport and business,” said Fiona Morgan, Chief Purpose Officer at SailGP. “It is vitally important that we keep pushing and showing the value of change.

“SailGP has an ambition to be the most inclusive league in sailing and change the face of the sport. We are proud of the Women’s Pathway programme, but we are fully aware that we can do more and need to do more.

“This first ever Women’s Accelerator Program, with thanks to the Apex Group, has the potential to make a real difference both on and off the water and I am so proud of the programme to drive more inclusive leadership.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Jon Massie, SailGP Chief People Officer.

“This programme is a real testament to the importance that SailGP holds in pushing change and achieving our ambition to be the most inclusive league in sailing and shaping the future of the sport,” he said.

“It's been excellent to work with Apex Group to help curate this programme and take this next step towards further closing the gender gap in leadership.

“As a male ally, I look forward to supporting the development and progression of this excellent first class of SailGP's Women's Accelerator Programme over the course of this year and witnessing change across our league and hopefully the wider sport.”