Yachting NZ’s Jenny Armstrong Champions Women’s Sailing Participation

Jenny Armstrong, a notable figure in New Zealand sailing, is making strides as the only female coach at Yachting New Zealand. With a rich sailing history that began when her parents purchased a boat named after her at just three days old, Armstrong has dedicated her life to the sport. Now based in Dunedin, she serves as the Women in Sailing manager, actively promoting the Women’s and Girls Sailing Strategy.

In her current role, Armstrong oversees various initiatives, including coaching a junior girls’ squad both online and in-person, contributing to the youth programme in the 420 double-handed class, and facilitating coach development. Her passion for sailing is evident as she embraces the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young female sailors. “I love the coaching aspects, and a lot of my role is coordination,” she notes.

Armstrong’s journey to this position began when she was invited to apply for the High Performance Sport New Zealand Te Hāpaitanga programme. This engagement opened up new discussions about her coaching future, significantly expanding her support network. Reflecting on her evolution from athlete to coach, Armstrong states, “By the presentation at the end, I realised I’d gone from being an athlete to a coach who was an athlete.”

Her sailing career includes participation in three Olympic Games, beginning with a fourth-place finish in the single-handed Europe class at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Although ranked number one in the world, she was unable to compete in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics after finishing second in the national trials. Armstrong describes this experience as pivotal, stating, “Even though I was ranked number one in the world, it taught me so much.”

After her Olympic ventures, Armstrong shifted her focus to ocean sailing, participating in an all-women’s team that sailed from the United Kingdom to Cape Town. This journey led to a partnership with Australian sailor Belinda Stowell, who shared similar ambitions and work ethic. Their collaboration culminated in winning a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. “It was a no-brainer for me to get Australian citizenship,” Armstrong recalls, although she adds, “It would have been nice if it was for New Zealand!”

After competing in the 2004 Athens Olympics, where the duo finished 14th, Armstrong transitioned to coaching. She began working with youth sailors in Sydney while also being involved in a yacht charter company. Early in her coaching career, she realised the importance of adapting her coaching style to suit the needs of her athletes, rather than merely replicating her own experiences as a competitor.

Retention of female sailors remains a crucial focus for Armstrong. Currently, she aims to increase female participation in sailing, with a goal of achieving 50 percent representation in the Olympic team. “We start with 30 percent participation of girls, but at the top end, we want 50 percent,” she states, emphasizing that every female sailor is invaluable.

Recognizing the challenges of competing in a male-dominated sport, Armstrong works diligently to create supportive environments for young female sailors. “We’re really trying hard to help create great environments with a good group of girls that can move through the sport together,” she says. Her commitment to fostering a love for sailing among the youth is evident in her coaching philosophy.

Based in Dunedin, Armstrong also acknowledges her role as a voice for the South Island and its regional athletes within the national sporting organisation. She believes that athletes from these areas often possess unique grit and determination, making them worthy of attention. “It’s worth spending the time on those who pop their head up,” she notes.

Whether during online sessions or at regattas, Armstrong finds satisfaction in witnessing her sailors apply new strategies and tools. “When they make the right decision in the moment and they pull it off, regardless of the result, it’s so great – it gives me goosebumps,” she expresses.

Armstrong’s journey as a coach is not without challenges. As the only female coach at Yachting New Zealand, she frequently finds herself in male-dominated environments. Yet, she views this as both a challenge and an opportunity to champion female participation in sailing.

When asked about her aspirations, Armstrong emphasizes her desire to be remembered as a coach who prioritizes individuals. “I want to be remembered as a coach who cares about the person first,” she concludes.

Through her dedication to coaching and advocacy for women in sailing, Jenny Armstrong continues to inspire a new generation of female sailors, ensuring that they have the opportunity to thrive in a sport she is deeply passionate about.