GB Kite Foiler, Matt Beck set to represent Great Britain in the UniCredit Youth America's Cup in Barcelona this September
Meet Matt Beck, one of the Athena Pathway Youth sailors for the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup. He ranked #1 in the Waszp class globally and was crowned Waszp European Champion in 2021, and brings a wealth of foiling knowledge to the team.
For Beck, this opportunity to race in the Youth America’s Cup is one he has always dreamed of. “Every kid dreams of racing in the America's Cup or SailGP, and to have the opportunity is amazing. I love the development side of this sailing, watching the team grow and it all unfold out on the water is incredible to be a part of.”
Matt started sailing at the age of 12 on a small lake in the Cotswolds, he got the sailing bug and went to Optimist Worlds in 2015. From there he progressed through different laser classes and eventually found foiling which made him fall in love with sailing again. Beck was on top of the world in the Waszp class in 2021 and started the transition into kite foiling through the RYA’s ‘Kite For Gold’ programme when the challenge of a lifetime presented itself at Athena Pathway to be part of the Youth sailing squad.
Coach Chris Draper commented on Beck saying “he is working hard and relishing the opportunity that lies ahead of him. Coming from an incredible youth sailing background, he has shown that he can helm and he can trim. On the water, he’s very calming and creates a lovely environment for everyone to operate and thrive in, which is exactly what you need in these kinds of boats.”
As a kid, Matt hoped to one day sail in the America’s Cup and said “Obviously it’s an exhilarating opportunity and it’s cool to be amongst so many other talented sailors and shore crew, the next few months are going to be really cool trying to sail our AC40 yacht with a great bunch of people.”