Applications for The Magenta Project’s mentorship program are now open for the 2025-2026 cycle. This program aims to improve diversity and in particular support women at the highest levels of the sport of sailing by pairing aspiring athletes with industry leaders who can help them reach their potential.
Applications opened on August 1 and close August 31. Each successful applicant will be matched with a mentor with corresponding expertise in their area of interest, including offshore, olympic, and STEM pathways. Successful applicants will receive their pairing in October to begin the nine-month long program.
Each mentee is expected to have their own goals that will guide the work that they do with their mentor. There is no standard program, but rather a unique relationship based on the expertise and ambitions of the pair. Mentors may be remote or local, which also may guide the partnership and allow for things like time on the water together or networking in areas that the mentee otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
The Magenta Project was founded in 2015 when the crew of the all-women’s SCA campaign in the Volvo Ocean Race realized that they weren’t getting the same opportunities as their male counterparts—even after racing around the world.
To date, over 250 sailors have participated in the program from countries all around the globe.
To learn more or submit your application, go to themagentaproject.org/mentoring
