SailGP Emirates GBR sailor Hannah Diamond signs with the Athena Pathway squad
Hannah Diamond joins the Athena Pathway Women’s America’s Cup team getting ready to race in Barcelona this year. Her journey through the sailing world is marked by a series of remarkable achievements, including winning the first leg of the 2017/2018 Volvo Ocean Race and securing a silver medal at the 2013 Nacra 17 World Championships. Hannah's dedication was further showcased when she finished second in the double-handed class at the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race.
Growing up in Warsash on the south coast of England, Hannah started sailing at the tender age of six in Optimists. Hannah led a campaign in the mixed Nacra 17 class, for the 2016 Olympic Games, securing a silver medal at the World Championship and accumulating numerous other international medals. Despite narrowly missing out on Olympic selection, Hannah shifted her focus to ocean racing. She competed with Vestas 11th Hour Racing in the 2017/2018 Volvo Ocean Race, achieving a significant milestone by winning the first leg and maintaining a strong performance throughout the race.
Chris Draper, Head of Performance at Athena Pathway said “Hannah’s teamwork from her experience in a variety of teams is second to none, she knows how big teams operate and uses her skills to encourage her team mates and ultimately brings a good vibe to the squad. Hannah can helm, and trim the sails and knows what it takes for a team to succeed on the big stage. We’re excited to have her on the team for the first-ever Women’s America’s Cup.”
A key player for the GBR SailGP Team, Hannah was part of the crew that set a new speed record of 98.26 km/hr in Aarhus, Denmark. Her passion for sailing extends beyond personal accolades; she is committed to encouraging more women and youth to get involved in the sport. Her involvement in the SailGP Women’s Pathway Programme highlights her dedication to fostering the next generation of sailors and bridging the knowledge gap in fast foiling boats.
“It’s an honour, always, to represent and race for Great Britain and to be part of the first British team to compete for the Women’s America's Cup, Hannah said, “It is something I could never have imagined when I started out sailing at six years old, and I’m really excited to be apart of the team”.