As a new survey highlights the major challenges women still face in the marine industry, the Magenta Project has launched the 2025-26 edition of its successful mentoring programme.
The Magenta Project is excited to announce the launch of its 10th edition of the esteemed mentoring programme for the 2025/26 cycle. Established in 2015 by a group of passionate individuals from Team SCA of the Volvo Ocean Race, this charity is dedicated to improving gender equity in sailing and creating pathways for women’s development in the marine sector.
At the heart of the programme are eight tailored mentorship pathways: Offshore, Inshore, Foiling, STEM, Media, Leadership, Race Management, and Race Support. This broad range ensures that participants receive targeted guidance that resonates with their unique career aspirations and interests.
Foiling clinic hosted by Performance Academy and the Magenta Project’s Foiling Team. Photo: Lotte Johnson.
Since its inception, the mentoring programme has significantly impacted the community. Since 2018, over 300 mentees have benefited from insights and support provided by more than 100 professionals within the marine industry. The upcoming 2025-26 cohort is set to be the most diverse yet, with 18% of mentors identifying as male, highlighting the importance of inclusive mentorship.
Victoria Low, CEO of The Magenta Project, underscores the significance of collaboration in the mentoring process. She emphasizes, “Mentoring is not a solo project; it’s a discipline. We’re proud to see this programme double in scale and evolve each year, while also being open to collaboration with other global mentoring initiatives. Together we can build something stronger than any of us could achieve alone.”
Photo: The Magenta Project.
In addition to the mentoring initiative, the Magenta Project has undertaken a comprehensive industry-wide survey focusing on equity and inclusion in sailing. Conducted from July to September 2025, the survey unveiled sobering findings: 62% of respondents reported having experienced sexism in marine spaces, and 46% felt unwelcome at sailing clubs or events. These statistics shed light on the critical work that still needs to be done within the industry and will be presented at significant events including Metstrade, the Yacht Racing Forum, and the World Sailing AGM this November.
Photo: The Magenta Project.
In tandem with these efforts, the Magenta Project has also introduced a digital platform known as the Mighty Magenta Community Hub. This innovative hub serves as an interactive space where members can engage through a newsfeed, direct messaging, webinars, curated resources, and global opportunity listings. The goal is to foster communication and professional development, striving to create more equitable maritime spaces for all participants in the sailing and marine industry.