Young sailors from the Western Cape are making waves, thanks to a high-performance training initiative that’s shaping the next generation of elite athletes. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Academy Programme, currently supporting promising talents like ILCA sailor Olivia Purchase, is proving to be a game-changer on and off the water.
Now in its second year for Purchase, the programme has already shown real results. “I started the program about two years ago, and I have seen the impact on the water,” she said. “I get off feeling more energised and get on the next day without a single ache or pain. This programme has not only helped build incredible strength but also confidence in our abilities as athletes.”
The ILCA High Performance (HP) camp, endorsed by the Western Cape Sports Academy (WCSA), isn’t just for anyone. Participants need to earn their places. “To begin, the ILCA HP camp is based purely on merit,” Olivia explains. “We all had to submit a sailing CV and continue to earn our spot in the clinic on a result basis.”
With five athletes currently in the ILCA group and another seven training in the 29er and 49er classes, the programme draws together some of the Western Cape’s top young sailing talent. Sessions include twice-weekly fitness training, along with as much time on the water as possible.
Fitness training takes place at the state-of-the-art facilities at the Stellenbosch Institute for Sport Science and Athletics (SISSA), a location that also hosts some of South Africa’s top athletes, including the Springbok women’s rugby team.
“Training alongside the Springbok women was surreal,” Purchase shared. “It’s awesome to know that you are training in the very place that moulded some of our country’s greatest athletes.” While focused training often meant limited interaction, their brief moments of camaraderie still left a lasting impression. “Just their willingness to stop their session on the watt bikes and take a pic was more than enough to show us that they’re not only phenomenal athletes but also humble people.”
The cross-training experience inspired the sailors not just physically, but mentally as well. “Training alongside showed us to put our heads down and work for what we want, but also enjoy the small moments and giggle in your breaks,” she explained. “It’s good to be serious when you need to, but there is absolutely no harm in having fun in the downtime.
“It also gave us people to look up to. People who have committed their lives to their craft. It’s truly inspiring,” she added.
While each sailor has their own long-term aspirations in the sport, there’s no doubt that the DSAC Academy Programme is equipping each of them with the tools and mindset needed for elite competition.
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