Sailing’s rising stars gear up for 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships

Taking place at Marina de Vilamoura, in Loulé,  Portugal, from 12–20 December 2025, over 400 sailors of the world’s best young sailors aged 12 to 18 from up to 70 countries will compete across a total of 11 events in male, female, and mixed categories.

This regatta mirrors the format of Olympic sailing with the ILCA 6 (Male & Female One-Person Dinghy), the 420 (Female & Male/Mixed Two-Person Dinghy), the 29er (Female & Male/Mixed Skiff), the Nacra 15 (Mixed Multihull), the iQFOiL Youth (Male & Female Windsurfer), and Formula Kite (Male & Female Kiteboarding) all in action, making it one of the largest and most diverse youth sports championships in the world.

David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said, “For more than half a century, the Youth Worlds has been the pinnacle of youth sailing, serving as the ultimate proving ground and a vital stepping stone for future Olympic and professional sailing. This event represents the future of our sport, and we are incredibly excited to welcome the next generation of champions to Vilamoura. This event is more than a competition; it is the ultimate global proving ground, where young athletes from around the world test themselves against the best in an Olympic-style format. To witness this level of talent, dedication, and passion year after year is a privilege. We look forward to a spectacular week of racing that will undoubtedly inspire vibrant sailing communities both at home and abroad.”

National teams are currently finalising their preparations, but the excitement is already building in Portugal following impressive performances in continental championships.

All eyes will be on the sailors who have transitioned successfully from the ILCA 4 and those who have shown dominance in the growing Olympic pathway classes like the iQFOiL and Formula Kite. The depth of talent promises intense battles in every fleet, where consistency across all conditions will be the key to claiming the coveted Youth Worlds gold medal.

The event will be hosted by Vilamoura Sailing, with the support of Marina de Vilamoura, the City of Loulé, and the Portuguese Sailing Federation. Vilamoura offers superb sailing conditions, which have been tested in the lead-up through a series of Youth Portugal Grand Prix events. Sailors can expect a varied challenge, with conditions that will demand skill, adaptability, and tactical brilliance from every competitor.

In a strong commitment to sustainability, Vilamoura Sailing is powered by solar energy, and the championship will feature initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce the event’s environmental impact.