Candidates for Team Bermuda in the next Red Bull Youth America’s Cup will have an intensive one-week training camp starting from December 27 to January 2.

A total of 40 have met the minimum requirements to date and are expected to participate in the camp. However that number is likely to grow as a new crop of candidates have registered for the next open casting call on December 20.

So far at least 24 athletes have registered their intent to try out this month. Those who meet the minimum standards on December 20, will participate in the training camp with the other candidates who advanced as a result of tryouts held earlier this year.

“The training camp is a critically important part of the selection process,” Craig Brown, vice-chairman of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Committee, said.

“We’ll test the candidates physically and mentally, evaluating their work ethic and sailing skills. We’ll also conduct some team-building exercises and leadership testing. It will be very comprehensive.”

The performance of candidates at this camp will help the selection committee determine which young athletes should advance in the process.

“Ultimately, the successful candidates will represent our country in a sometimes dangerous sport over a very demanding campaign that will last almost 18 months,” Blythe Walker, one of two committee members responsible for sailor training, said.

“We want the most talented, most dedicated athletes possible. We encourage those participating in the training camp to bring their A-game and to take the camp very seriously.”

Athletes who have not tried out for the team still have time to register online for the December 20 fitness combine if they meet the eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for the team, athletes must be at least 19 years-old and under 25 years-old on December 31, 2017 and be born in Bermuda or possess a Bermuda passport.

In early 2016 the selection committee hopes to identify a squad of 18 of the best sailors and athletes who, with intensive training and coaching, will be equipped to compete with the world’s best young sailors in foiling high-performance catamarans.

The final racing team will consist of six Red Bull Youth America’s Cup squad members, with others supporting as training partners and a shore team.

Team Bermuda will train and race in the Great Sound before a home town crowd as they face other youth teams from around the world in June 2017.