Now entering its tenth year, the mentoring programme has doubled in size, welcoming more mentees and mentors than ever before. Since its start in 2018, nearly 300 mentees have been supported by over 100 mentors — a powerful cycle of growth that continues to shape the future of women in sailing and the wider marine industry.
From Mentee to Mentor
This year, ten mentors are former mentees, illustrating how the programme creates a self-sustaining chain of empowerment. What begins as guidance and confidence grows into leadership, expertise, and the chance to give back. Male allies also play an increasingly vital role, with 18% of mentors being men — including returning mentor Benjamin Schwartz, and new additions Tim Kröger, Stuart Childerley, and Carlos Manera.
“Equity is not a women’s issue — it’s a collective one,” says CEO Victoria Low. “Mentoring is not a solo project, it’s a discipline. Together we can build something stronger than any of us could achieve alone.”
Long-Term Commitment and Fresh Perspectives
Among the returning mentors are icons from the legendary Team SCA — Carolijn Brouwer (who has mentored every year since the beginning), Elodie-Jane and Justine Mettraux, Liz Wardley, Annie Lush, and Abby Ehler — whose long-term commitment continues to drive meaningful change.
They are joined by new faces bringing fresh expertise, including Polly Gough (Medical Advisor, The Ocean Race), María del Mar de Ros Raventós (founder of Foiling Camp and former CEO, Spain SailGP Team), and Louise Morton, known for reviving the Quarter Ton class and pioneering all-female racing teams.
Other standout mentors include Alexandra Rickham (Director of Sustainability, World Sailing), Hannah Stodel (Paralympics Lead, World Sailing), and Francesca Clapcich, who is about to begin her Transat Café L’OR campaign with 11th Hour Racing.
New Pathways and Greater Accessibility
In addition to its established Offshore, Inshore, Foiling, and STEM tracks, the 2025/26 programme introduces four new pathways in Media, Leadership, Race Management, and Race Support — opening the door to more roles within the sport and marine industry.
Financial accessibility is being strengthened through the Tom and Margery Pindar Bursary Fund, which supports mentees who might otherwise face financial barriers. Six participants are benefitting in its first year, ensuring the programme remains open to talent from all backgrounds.
The Mighty Magenta Community Hub
The new Mighty Magenta Community Hub brings The Magenta Project’s global network together for the first time in one digital space. Described as “Magenta’s own social network”, the Hub enables members to:
- Build profiles and connect with others worldwide
- Join discussions and share opportunities
- Access exclusive resources, webinars, and events
- Post jobs and collaborations
Whether you’re a sailor, coach, boat builder, student, or marine professional, the Hub offers tools to grow, collaborate, and be part of the change. All membership fees are reinvested directly into The Magenta Project’s mission to advance equity in sailing.
Looking Ahead
As The Magenta Project celebrates a decade of mentoring, it’s also laying the foundation for a stronger digital and data-driven future. With more pathways, a wider reach, and a thriving online home, the 2025/26 year marks a defining chapter in the movement toward a more inclusive, sustainable sailing world.
Learn more and join the community at themagentaproject.org
