Following last month’s call for sailor representatives, ILCA is thrilled to reveal the founding members of the new ILCA Athlete Panel.
After nominations closed on 1 March, we are pleased to welcome the following sailors to the panel:
- Mária Érdi — ILCA 6 | Hungary | World Sailing Athlete Representative
- Pavlos Kontides — ILCA 7 | Cyprus | World Sailing Athlete Representative
- Alexandre Kowalski — ILCA 7 | France
- Charlotte Rose — ILCA 6 | USA
- Zineb Hariss — ILCA 6 | Morocco
- Lauren Wilson — ILCA 6 | USA
- Emma Plasschaert — ILCA 6 | Belgium
This diverse group of athletes brings experience from across the Olympic fleet and from multiple regions worldwide — a strong foundation for a panel that represents sailors everywhere.
Purpose of the Athlete Panel
The ILCA Athlete Panel serves as a direct link between sailors and the World Council. While initially focused on Olympic-level competition, panel members are expected to champion the interests of all sailors — Olympic and non-Olympic alike — foster open dialogue, and deliver structured feedback to the World Council. The panel will operate in an advisory capacity.
Panel Composition
Given the importance of getting the panel operational as quickly as possible, all nominations received were accepted, allowing the panel to be established without a vote.
Contact the Athlete Panel
Sailors can reach the panel directly at athletepanel@ilcasailing.org
Terms of Reference
The panel’s terms of reference will be developed and refined throughout 2026, with the possibility of also incorporating coaches in the future. Once finalised, the full terms of reference will be published here. Watch this space!
Mark Lyttle, President of ILCA
Virginia Kravarioti, Second European Representative
Cover photo: David Branigan / 2025 ILCA Under-21 World Championships.