Meet the Young Kiwi’s Who Will Do Us Proud in the Youth America’s Cup

Josh Armit

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 2024: Paris Olympic Games Windsurfing (placed 4th)
  
• 2023: IQ Worlds 2023 (placed 7th)
  
• 2023: IQ Foil Princess Sofia Regatta Palma (placed 4th)
  
• 2018: Laser Radial Youth World Championship (placed 1st)

BIOGRAPHY

Josh Armit was one of New Zealand’s most talked-about youth sailors when he stormed onto the international scene, winning the boys’ Laser Radial (now ILCA 6) title at the 2018 Youth World Championships. His early success made him a standout in the sailing community, and many had high hopes for his future. However, like many young athletes, Josh found the transition to the ILCA 7 class challenging. The increased physical demands and mental strain took their toll, leading him to take a break from the sport to reset and refocus.

But the break didn’t last long. In late 2020, Josh discovered windfoiling—a relatively new and fast-growing discipline—and immediately took to it with passion. Windfoiling reignited his love for sailing, and within a short time, he was back on the water, this time with a foil beneath him. His natural talent and determination quickly saw him rise to the top, establishing himself as New Zealand’s premier male windfoiler.

His impressive list of accomplishments continues to grow, with several national titles to his name. 2023 has been a standout year for Josh, securing top-10 finishes at some of the world’s most competitive events, including the Princess Sofia Regatta in Spain, the European Championships in Greece, the Olympic test event in France, and the combined sailing world championships in the Netherlands. With his experience in high-level competition and undeniable talent, he’s definitely one to keep an eye on as the Youth America’s Cup unfolds in Barcelona. His journey, from a youth champion to a windfoiling sensation, showcases his resilience and ability to adapt, making him a formidable force on the water.

Hometown: Auckland, NZL

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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 2023: Princess Sofia Regatta, 49er (placed 1st)
• 2019: Kiel Week, 49er (placed 1st)
• 4 x top ten 49er World Championship (placed 7th, 5th, 6th, and 7th respectively)
• 2 x World Cup Silver Medals (Enoshima, Hyeres)
• 5 x 49er National Champion

BIOGRAPHY

Oscar Gunn is a rising star in New Zealand’s sailing world, making waves as a key member of the Youth America’s Cup team. His sailing career began with great promise in the 29er class during his youth, where he quickly stood out for his raw talent and unwavering passion for the sport. As he progressed, Oscar transitioned to the 49er class, a more challenging boat that demanded higher levels of teamwork, skill, and athleticism. He teamed up with Logan Dunning Beck, and together they made a formidable duo, achieving outstanding results both nationally and internationally.

Their partnership has been particularly notable for its consistency and success, with Oscar and Logan claiming their fifth consecutive 49er national title in 2022. This achievement not only highlighted their ability to work seamlessly under pressure but also cemented their status as one of the top sailing teams in New Zealand. The duo often found themselves in tight, nail-biting contests with other elite teams, yet their calm focus and strategic prowess helped them come out on top.

Oscar’s journey has been marked by perseverance and a strong work ethic, which has seen him rise through the ranks of youth sailing and into the senior levels. His dedication to refining his craft, along with his natural talent, makes him one to watch closely on the international stage. Sailing with Logan Dunning Beck has helped sharpen his competitive edge and fostered a deep understanding of the sport’s technical demands.

Now, as part of the New Zealand team for the 2024 Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona, Oscar is ready to take on some of the best young sailors from around the globe. His extensive experience in the 29er and 49er classes, combined with his proven ability to perform at the highest level, makes him a crucial asset to the team. The Youth America’s Cup is an exciting next step for Oscar, and there’s no doubt his drive and talent will shine through as he represents New Zealand on one of sailing’s most prestigious stages.

Hometown: Auckland, NZL

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 2022: 29er Europeans Championships (placed 1st)
• 2022: 29er Youth World Championships (placed 3rd)
• 2019: 420 Open World Championships (placed 2nd)
• 2019: 420 Youth World Championships (placed 1st)
• 2018: Open World Championships (placed 1st)

BIOGRAPHY

At just 19 years old, Seb Menzies is the youngest member of the New Zealand Youth America’s Cup team, but he’s already a standout in competitive sailing. Seb began making waves in the Optimist class before achieving a major breakthrough in the 420 class, winning the 2019 Youth Sailing World Championships with his teammate Blake McGlashan. His early success and technical skill have consistently set him apart from his peers.

Despite his youth, Seb’s experience in junior and youth classes, where he often competed against older sailors, has well-prepared him for the challenges of the Youth America’s Cup. His calm demeanor, strategic approach, and impressive track record make him a sailor to watch as he represents New Zealand in Barcelona. Seb’s achievements and maturity suggest a bright future both in this competition and in his sailing career.

Hometown: Heemstede, The Netherlands

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 2024: Paris Olympic Games, Windsurfing (placed 10th)
• 2023: Princess Sofia Regatta (placed 3rd)
• 2022: PWA (placed 10th)
• 2018: Youth World Championships (placed 2nd)

BIOGRAPHY

Veerle ten Have is one of New Zealand’s brightest sailing talents, making waves in the world of windfoiling. A Youth Olympic Games athlete, Veerle transitioned from the non-foiling RS

to the foiling iQFOIL class in late 2021 and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since. Quickly establishing herself as the country’s top prospect in women’s windfoiling, she has dominated the local scene and made a significant impact internationally.

Her breakthrough came in 2022, her first season competing against the world’s best iQFOIL athletes. Veerle impressed with a series of strong performances, demonstrating her rapid adaptation to the foiling discipline. Her upward trajectory continued into 2023, where she claimed a bronze medal at the prestigious Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma de Mallorca, solidifying her reputation as a rising star on the global stage.

With her combination of technical skill and competitive spirit, Veerle ten Have is one to watch as she represents New Zealand in the Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona. She continues to build on her impressive accomplishments, and her future in the sport looks incredibly bright.

Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 2021: Tokyo Olympic Games, 49er (placed 11th)
• First person to compete in two Youth America’s Cup
• Flight controller US SailGP Team, Season 1 & 2 – 2nd

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Japan and relocating to New Zealand at just seven years old, Leo Takahashi has carved out a remarkable path in the sailing world. His passion for the sport was evident early on, leading him to compete in the Youth America’s Cup with Japan in 2017. Since then, Leo’s impressive skills and dedication have earned him a spot on the New Zealand team for both the 2021 and 2024 editions of the prestigious event.

Leo’s journey through sailing has been marked by significant achievements and experiences. As a prominent member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Youth Training Programme, he has honed his skills alongside some of the best young sailors in the country. His talent has also been showcased on a global stage—Leo has sailed in SailGP for both the Japanese and United States teams, further broadening his international sailing experience.

Now, as he gears up for the Youth America’s Cup 2024 in Barcelona, Leo brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the sport. His journey from Japan to New Zealand and his participation in multiple high-profile sailing events underscore his exceptional abilities and dedication. With his unique blend of international and local sailing experiences, Leo is set to be a key player in the upcoming competition, representing New Zealand with skill and determination.