Swedish Challenge, powered by Artemis Technologies, has announced the six sailors who will form the Swedish Challenge Women’s Team and compete in the 37th America’s Cup on October 5 in Barcelona.
Among them is Olympic hopeful Vilma Bobeck from Stockholm: “It has always been a big dream to do both the Olympics and the America’s Cup, and to do both
in the same year is very cool,” said Bobeck. “It will be fun to see what doors can be opened for women in the sport.”
Alongside Bobeck, the women’s team includes: Felicia Fernström, Ida Svensson, Julia Gross, Lovisa Karlsson (another Olympic hopeful) and Rebecca Netzler. Each of these talented sailors brings a unique set of skills and experience, united by their dedication to sailing and desire to reach the highest level in their sport.
Ida Svensson, who recently placed sixth at the World Championship in Nacra 17, said: “It’s great to be selected and to represent Sweden and Artemis Technologies at the America’s Cup. I am moving to Barcelona full-time in June to train with the AC40, so it’s going to be an exciting summer!”
The 37th America’s Cup is a historic event, featuring a women’s class for the first time it marks a significant step forward for gender equality in sailing – something team skipper, Anna Östling, is keen to emphasise: “The fact that Sweden will participate in the world’s first female America’s Cup is magical for us Swedish sailors who love the sport and advocate for more opportunities. I have been sailing at an elite level for over 15 years, and this is definitely my biggest achievement.”
Östling, who has been a driving force in getting Sweden to the competition, will use her extensive experience to navigate the team through the months ahead: “For me, this is about providing young women with new opportunities. Being a support and mentor in this project is something I most look forward to.”
The Swedish Challenge sailors have been training at Artemis Technologies’ base in Belfast, with Belfast Lough providing the ideal training ground for their AC40 yacht. As a spin-off from the renowned Artemis Racing America’s Cup team, Artemis Technologies uses its world leading technical expertise to support the team, resulting in a showcase that combines the finest sailing talent and cutting-edge technology.
The final team has been selected from the esteemed Artemis Academy, an initiative designed to foster top-level Swedish foiling athletes. This comprehensive programme is led by Team Manager Sarah Gundersen and Head Coaches Fredrik Bergstom and Kyle Langford, whose guidance is instrumental in preparing the athletes to compete in the world’s most advanced sailing yachts.
“Over the past few months our sailors and shore team have poured so much into this, and now it’s time to get out there and do all of our hard work justice,” said Gundersen. “We expect our team to hit the ground running in Barcelona and be fully focussed on achieving great results. I’m proud to see the momentum gathering as our team prepares to compete at the highest level.”
Swedish Challenge, powered by Artemis Technologies, is supported by the Royal Swedish Sailing Society (KSSS) and the Gothenburg Royal Sailing Society (GKSS). In addition to the women’s team, a youth team, who will be announced this Thursday 23 May, will compete in the Youth America’s Cup from September 17-26.
