Chris Draper joins Athena Pathway as Head of Performance
As preparations for the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup regattas intensify, Athena Pathway is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Draper as Head of Performance.
A winner of the Extreme Sailing Series and a decorated 49er sailor, with an Olympic bronze medal and multiple World Championship titles under his belt, Chris has spent the last few years on the SailGP Circuit, first as GBR’s CEO and wing trimmer, and most recently as wing trimmer for the Canadian Team. Chris is also a veteran of the America’s Cup, with participations spanning multiple roles, including helmsman for Luna Rossa for AC34 in San Francisco and tactician and wing trimmer for Softbank Team Japan during the America’s Cup World Series and AC35 in Bermuda.
Chris will bring his extensive experience in the world of high-performance big boat foiling and first-hand knowledge of the unique and formidable sporting challenge that is the America’s Cup to his role, which will encompass oversight of the ongoing trials process and all aspects of performance strategy, preparation and training for the selected squads.
Athena Pathway is hugely excited to work with Chris over the next 12 months, and confident that he will be instrumental in ensuring our sailors are in the best possible position to win on the waters of Barcelona in Autumn 2024.