The Youth World Sailing Championship concluded today in Vilamoura, delivering a week of high-level racing and intense international competition across the 29er class.
Women’s Fleet
The women’s fleet delivered a thrilling and closely fought battle. Great Britain’s Lila Edwards and Amelie Hiscocks started the championship strongly, taking the lead from day one and maintaining remarkable consistency throughout.
Poland’s Antonina Puchowska and Alicja Dampc, 2025 European and World Champions, started the regatta in third place but steadily climbed to first during the week, staying consistently in contention behind GBR.
The championship came down to the final races, with GBR winning gold by just one point over POL, in a regatta defined by tactical duels, shifting winds, and relentless competition.
Argentina’s Carolina Barceló and Agustina Argüelles completed the podium in third place after a strong comeback over the course of the week, demonstrating resilience and tactical skill.
Men’s Fleet
The men’s fleet was equally competitive and highly tactical, with the podium largely decided by the third day of racing. Poland’s Szymon Kolka and Bartosz Zmudzinski, 10th in the World Rankings and winners of the 2025 EuroCup, secured gold, edging out France’s Nolann Huet Des Aunay and Titouan Gresset — FRA3, third in the World Rankings — by just one point.
Brazil’s Zion Brandão da Cunha Faria and João Vicente Botelho Joppert completed the podium after a strong recovery from 8th place on day one, finishing only slightly behind the top two.
The championship showcased consistency and tactical mastery, with the top three teams battling intensely and proving why the 29er class is one of the most competitive and internationally diverse youth sailing classes.
29er Coaching and Development Manager Larry Cargill:
“The final day of the regatta provided a wide range of conditions. The Male/Mixed start was delayed by a rain front, with two races completed in 5-13kts, while the female fleet sailed two races in 13-17kts in a challenging seaway. The skill level was impressive, but some teams focused on areas to improve for a consistent regatta. The British team won gold by one point over Poland in a thrilling tussle. Overall, a great learning regatta for all teams, who now head home to focus on their next steps in sailing development.”
With variable winds and shifting conditions throughout the week, consistency, adaptability, and teamwork proved decisive. The 29er class once again demonstrated why it is one of the most competitive and internationally diverse youth classes in sailing.
Congratulations to all sailors and teams for their outstanding performances.
Full results available here.
