Jenny Armstrong Champions Women’s Sailing as Yachting NZ’s Coach

When Jenny Armstrong took her first breath, her parents purchased a boat named “Jenny,” marking the beginning of a lifelong connection to sailing. Today, the Sydney 2000 Olympic champion in the 470 Class serves as the Women in Sailing manager at Yachting New Zealand, based in Dunedin. Armstrong is responsible for implementing the Women’s and Girls Sailing Strategy, which aims to enhance female participation in the sport.

Armstrong’s multifaceted role includes coaching a junior girls’ squad both online and in person, facilitating coach development, and engaging youth sailors nationwide. Despite her busy schedule, she expresses a deep passion for sailing and the impact she can make through her coaching. “I love the coaching aspects, and a lot of my role is coordination,” she states.

Her journey into coaching began when she was an occasional contract coach with Yachting NZ. Armstrong was invited to apply for the High Performance Sport New Zealand Te Hāpaitanga programme, which sparked a dialogue about her coaching future. She reflected on the positive influence the programme had on her, noting the value of connecting with like-minded coaches.

Armstrong’s sailing career included participation in three Olympic Games. Following her fourth-place finish at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she faced disappointment in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when she was unable to compete despite being ranked number one in the world. This setback led her to ocean sailing, where she joined an all-women’s crew that sailed from the United Kingdom to Cape Town. One of her teammates was Belinda Stowell, who would later become her partner in the Australian Sailing Team for the Sydney Olympics.

The duo claimed the gold medal at the Sydney Games, a moment Armstrong cherishes, even as she acknowledges the bittersweet nature of representing Australia instead of her home country. “I don’t regret it, but it would have been nice if it was for New Zealand!” she remarked.

After competing in the 2004 Athens Olympics, where the team finished 14th, Armstrong transitioned to coaching. Initially, she coached using methods that resonated with her own experiences as an athlete. Over time, she learned the importance of adapting coaching styles, influenced by her Ukrainian coach during her final Olympic campaigns. “On reflection, I know you can’t just coach the tippy top – you have to coach through the squad,” she explained.

Armstrong is committed to retaining sailors within junior and youth programmes, particularly focusing on increasing female participation in sailing. Currently, about 30 percent of participants are girls, but she aims to elevate that figure to 50 percent in the Olympic team. “Every female sailor is super valuable,” she emphasized.

With the small number of sailors in regattas, girls often find themselves outnumbered. Armstrong’s goal is to create supportive environments that foster camaraderie among female sailors, nurturing their passion for the sport. Living in Dunedin, she recognizes her role as a voice for the South Island and regional athletes within the national sporting organization. “Athletes from the regions often have an extra grit and determination, so the talent is definitely out there,” she stated.

Throughout her coaching career, whether in online sessions or at regattas, Armstrong finds immense satisfaction when her sailors successfully implement new strategies and tools. “When they make the right decision in the moment, it gives me goosebumps,” she shared.

Reflecting on her coaching philosophy, Armstrong highlighted several insights. She entered the field to stay connected to sailing and earn an income. Her mentor during the Te Hāpaitanga programme, Raylene Bates, introduced her to Mark Howard, a Yachting NZ coach who has provided valuable support throughout her career.

Armstrong’s biggest lesson as a coach has been the realization that she cannot control everything. “At the end of the day, it’s the sailors that have to do it,” she acknowledged. Her pride stems from witnessing the successes of her sailors long after she has finished coaching them.

As the only female coach at Yachting NZ, Armstrong faces unique challenges, including the ongoing effort to raise female participation in sailing. She aspires to be remembered as a coach who prioritizes the individual, emphasizing personal growth alongside athletic development. Armstrong’s dedication to the sport and her commitment to fostering female talent reflect her belief in the potential of every sailor she coaches.