The Inside Tack Athena

The big one! The pod episode we have been waiting for is here, as we welcome Ben Ainslie and Hannah Mills for the latest updates from their America's Cup campaigns, relive some unforgettable Olympic moments, and explore the impact and aims of of the Athena Pathway Programme.

In this episode of "Inside Tack," we hear from two pivotal members of the team responsible for the nutrition and performance of the human batteries, the ‘Cyclors,’ driving the cutting-edge racing yacht ‘Britannia.’ Pete Cunningham, Head of Human Performance, with a resume including six Olympics and two America’s Cup campaigns, provides insight into the rigorous high-performance demands placed on the Cyclors. Nick Holt, the Team Head Chef, highlights the crucial role nutrition plays in meeting these demands for athletes, alongside feeding the hundred-plus wider team who are working 24/7 to make every day on the water count. Listen in as they discuss the critical role of nutrition and human performance science in the America’s Cup.

In this episode of the Inside Tack we deep dive into the Youth and Womens programme, Athena Pathway, ahead of the first ever PUIG Youth and Womens Americas Cup. Hear from Athena Pathway sailors Saskia Clarke and Alex Hughes on how they were recruited and the teams training progress ahead of racing in September!

Toto Wolff and Sir Ben Ainslie sat down to discuss the different ways that the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team has collaborated with INEOS Britannia in their bid to win this year's America's Cup.

In this episode of "Inside Tack," we review the Emirates GBR SailGP Team's performance since Giles took the wheel. Join us as we chat with driver Giles Scott and performance coach Rob Wilson about how they overcame a series of challenging events to triumph in Halifax. They delve into the demanding conditions, strategic adjustments, and the rollercoaster ride of getting to natural grips with helming these incredible boats in 10 boat fleet racing. Gain insights into the team's resilience, the intricacies of SailGP racing, and what it takes to bounce back and win at the highest level of competitive sailing.

In this episode of "Inside Tack," we sit down with two distinguished coaches helping shape the present and future of British sailing in the 37th America's Cup. Xabi Fernandez, a six-time round-the-world sailor and performance coach for INEOS Britannia, shares his wealth of experience and strategies for elite competition. Joining him is Chris Draper, a hugely talented foiling sailor and Olympic bronze medallist, now coaching the Athena Pathway youth and women's teams. Listen in as they discuss their coaching philosophies, the evolution of foiling technology, and their vision for the next generation of America's Cup sailors. This episode offers a deep dive into the minds of the mentors guiding the sport's brightest talents.