Ireland will be represented by four sailors at the Youth Sailing World Championships, which begin next week in Vilamoura, Portugal.
The championships run from 12–20 December and are regarded as the pinnacle of international youth sailing.
Sienna Wright of Howth Yacht Club will compete in the Women’s Dinghy class, sailing an ILCA 6.
Bobby Driscoll from Ballyholme Yacht Club lines out in the Men’s Dinghy ILCA 6 fleet.
Cora McNaughton of Blessington Sailing Club will helm in the Mixed 420 class. She will be crewed by Matt Mapplebeck from the Royal Cork Yacht Club.
More than 400 sailors aged 12 to 18 from up to 70 countries are competing across 11 events at Marina de Vilamoura.
After opening ceremonies and practice racing, competition begins on 15 December, with racing scheduled daily until medals are decided on 19 December.
Classes racing mirror the Olympic pathway and include ILCA 6, 420, 29er, Nacra 15, iQFOiL Youth and Formula Kite.
World Sailing CEO David Graham said the event remains central to youth development. “For more than half a century, the Youth Worlds has been the pinnacle of youth sailing,” he said.
“It is the ultimate global proving ground, where young athletes test themselves against the best in an Olympic-style format.”
The regatta is hosted by Vilamoura Sailing with support from Marina de Vilamoura, the City of Loulé and the Portuguese Sailing Federation.
Organisers say sailors can expect demanding and varied conditions, with sustainability initiatives in place to reduce the event’s environmental impact.
