The Inaugural Puig Women’s and Youth America’s Cup took place alongside the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in September and October 2024.
The first-time inclusion of a women’s event and the renewed emphasis on supporting the next generation representing major progress for the World’s oldest sporting trophy in achieving gender equity and raising the sport’s profile for young people.
The British entry for the Women’s & Youth America’s Cup squad had a shared resume of 6 Olympic medals and 22 World Championship medals.
Athena Pathway 37th Women’s America’s Cup Team:
- Hannah Mills - Double Olympic gold medallist (470 class: Rio de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2020) and Olympic silver medallist (470 class: London 2012)
- Saskia Clark - Olympic gold medallist (470 class: Rio de Janeiro 2016)
- Hannah Diamond - Emirates GBR SailGP strategist (2021–2025) and Volvo Ocean Race leg winner (2017–2018)
- Anna Burnet - Olympic silver medallist (Nacra 17: Tokyo 2020)
- Ellie Aldridge - Olympic champion (kiteboarding: Paris 2025)
- Saskia Tidey – Two time British Olympian
- Freya Black – British Olympian
- Tash Bryant – 29er World Champion
Athena Pathway 37th America’s Cup Youth Team:
- Nick Robins - 29er National Champion
- Matt Beck - Waszp European Champion 2021
- Alex Hughes - Competed in 420 World and European Championships
- James Grummett - 29er National Champion 2015
- Hattie Rogers - Waszp World Champion 2025
The team was supported in this challenge by leading global aerospace and maritime technology innovator Cobham-Ultra, in a continuation of the firm’s extensive investment in UK engineering skills.
Women’s Results
Athena Pathway were narrowly beaten at the first ever PUIG Women’s America’s Cup Final.
The team faced the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team in a one-race ‘ultimate jeopardy’ final, after they fought off 10 other nations for the two coveted spots. It was an extremely close battle, with Athena Pathway pushing the Italians hard all the way around the course. Luna Rossa managed to secure the win, but the Brits were just 8 seconds behind.
After the final, Athena Pathway Team Principal and Skipper Hannah Mills said: “It’s been an amazing campaign. We have put so much into this and I’m so proud of all our team that have worked extremely hard to get us to this point. This is just the beginning for women’s sailing and women in the America’s Cup and I’m so proud to be a part of the first ever women’s event. It’s obviously gutting to not deliver today but for all the young girls watching, this is happening, and it will be your turn next.”
Youth Results
Athena Pathway narrowly missed out on a place in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup Final by just one point. The British crew raced Italy, America, Sweden, Spain and Australia in the Semi-Final, with the top two teams after four races going into the Match Race Final.
After three races, Athena Pathway were tied on points in second with NYYC American Magic, and despite a hard-fought battle, the British crew finished one place behind America, who joined the Italians Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the Final. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli went on to beat American Magic in the final match race, winning the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup for Italy.
After the racing, Athena Pathway Skipper and Co-Helm Nick Robins said: “We’re gutted, we really wanted to be in that final. It’s been tricky racing with it being so tight in the flat water and with everyone being at a similar level. It’s obviously tough to not be going through to the final but we feel grateful to have been a part of this event. A massive thank you to everybody on our team, it’s been a great campaign and I’m sorry we couldn’t quite get to the final, but we certainly gave it everything.”