The Youth Sailing World Championships is widely regarded as the pinnacle of youth sailing, offering a global stage for emerging talent. Since its inception in Sweden in 1971, the event has fostered the careers of countless world champions and Olympic medallists.
New Zealand boasts an enviable record at the championships, amassing 55 medals—17 gold, 20 silver, and 18 bronze. Among the highlights of New Zealand’s history was the 2018 team’s record-equalling four-medal haul in Corpus Christi, Texas. Past Kiwi winners include sailing icons such as America’s Cup skippers Russell Coutts and Dean Barker, Olympic champions Blair Tuke and Alex Maloney, and Volvo Ocean Race veteran Stuart Bannatyne.
Earlier this year, New Zealand’s youth sailing team competed at Lake Garda, Italy. While the competition was fierce, Zach Stibbe’s fifth place in the boys’ ILCA 6 event was the standout performance.
The Road to Vilamoura
The 2025 Youth Worlds will follow a similar format to Olympic sailing, with sailors competing in 11 events across male, female, and mixed categories. The competition is open to sailors aged between 12 and 18 as of December 31, 2025, ensuring a level playing field for the world’s best young sailors.
World Sailing president Quanhai Li expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The youth sailing world championships have long been one of the most important events in the World Sailing calendar and an important showcase for emerging talent and future legends of the sport. We are delighted to award the 54th edition of the championships to such an impressive host venue.”
David Graham, World Sailing’s chief executive, highlighted the event’s evolution: “From just 16 nations in 1971, the Youth Worlds has grown into a global spectacle, with over 400 sailors from 70 countries competing this year. We are confident that Vilamoura will deliver another unforgettable championship in 2025.”
Building Momentum
In the lead-up to the championships, Vilamoura will host a series of preparatory events to help sailors fine-tune their skills. The youth Portugal Grand Prix will feature several regattas, beginning this month:
- Round 1: December 18-20, 2024
- Round 2: April 5-7, 2025
- Final Round: December 2-5, 2025
These regattas will provide invaluable competitive experience for young sailors while showcasing the region’s exceptional sailing conditions.
Sustainability at the Core
The organisers of the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships are committed to hosting an environmentally conscious event. Vilamoura Sailing’s facilities are powered entirely by solar energy, and the event will eliminate single-use plastics by providing water stations and reusable containers. Digital communication will replace traditional printed materials, while eco-friendly transport options, including electric robotic buoys and organisational boats, will be prioritised. Event materials will be designed for reuse, and recycling will play a central role in the event’s operations.
Looking Ahead
The championships will be organised by Vilamoura Sailing in collaboration with the Marina de Vilamoura, the City of Loulé, and the Portuguese Sailing Federation. The Notice of Race is set to be released in January 2025, offering further details about this highly anticipated event.
For the world’s top youth sailors, the countdown to Vilamoura has already begun. With its world-class facilities, strong sustainability focus, and a proven track record of hosting major sailing events, Vilamoura promises to deliver a spectacular showcase of the next generation of sailing talent.
