With six months to go, registration for the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships has exceeded 400 sailors across all classes.
The elite of youth sailing will be returning to Marina de Vilamoura, in Loulé, Portugal, host of the 2025 edition of the Youth Sailing World Championship, from 15-19 December 2026, where 11 events in male, female and mixed categories – following a similar format to Olympic sailing where all sailors compete on a level playing field across all events will attracts the best youth sailors from around the world.
In total, 424 sailors and 146 coaches from 65 nations have already registered with places filling up fast. The quota has been reached in Boy’s/Mixed 29er and 420 categories, Boy’s iQFOil and ILCA 6, and very few places available in the female events in those classes.
David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said, “The popularity of the Youth Sailing World Championship is incredibly positive for the sport. As the premier youth event in our sport, this event is a key part of the journey for young sailors, and just over two years out from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, many competitors will be hoping to impress and earn the opportunity to represent their nation. We are delighted to continue working with Vilamoura Sailing and the city of Loulé where the excellent facilities and perfect conditions for sailing should deliver another incredible edition of the Youth Sailing World Championship after the success of last year’s event.”
Nuno Reis, Vilamoura Sailing and Prow Group CEO, said, “Following the success of the 2025 edition, we are proud to welcome the Youth Sailing World Championships back to Vilamoura. Hosting the championship for a second consecutive year reflects the confidence placed in our ability to provide a world-class stage for the next generation of Olympic sailors.”
For more than 50 years, the Youth Sailing World Championships have been the pinnacle of youth sailing performance, providing the global stage for future sailing stars to shine and becoming a major stepping stone for many world and Olympic champions.
The 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships will be organised in partnership with Vilamoura Sailing, the Portuguese Sailing Federation, the Municipality of Loulé, the Parish Council of Quarteira with the support of the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ), Portugal Tourism, Vilamoura Marina, and Inframoura.
Sustainability will be at the forefront with a strong commitment from all partners to reducing the environmental impact of hosting the championships. The facilities at Vilamoura Sailing are fully powered by solar energy and the event will focus on eliminating single-use plastics by providing access to water stations and reusable containers.
Additionally, there will be an emphasis on digital communication to reduce paper waste, alongside encouraging eco-friendly transportation options including electric robotic marks and organisational boats. Materials produced for the event will be designed for reuse at future events, and recyclable materials will be prioritised throughout the championship.
More information about the Youth Sailing World Championships can be found on World Sailing’s dedicated event website.
JK Friend
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