The next generation of sailing champions will be in Vilamoura to compete in the Youth Sailing World Championship, which will take place from 8 to 20 December 2025.
Vilamoura has been chosen to host one of the largest sailing events in the world, both in terms of size and the number of participants. The Youth Sailing World Championship will bring over 600 sailors from 70 countries, 150 coaches, and many hundreds of companions to the waters of Vilamoura. The event is organised by Vilamoura Sailing in partnership with the Portuguese Sailing Federation and the Marina de Vilamoura.
This competition is considered a true ‘Mini Olympic Games’ of sailing as it brings together the 6 classes that prepare young sailors for the current Olympic classes. Classes such as 29er, Ilca 6, Nacra 15, 420, IQFOIL, and Formula Kite will compete to crown their new world stars. Among both male and female competitors, 11 world championships will run simultaneously across 4 race areas set up off the coast of Vilamoura.
It is the first time this world championship is being held in the northern hemisphere during December, but this is not a concern for the organisers:
“December is a month when Vilamoura offers exceptional conditions. Vilamoura Sailing was established 8 years ago, and in these 8 years of activity, 98% of the races scheduled for December, including world and European level competitions, have been held successfully, which is a completion rate well above average. This knowledge and experience have allowed us to move forward with confidence for this date. Moreover, it is no coincidence that Vilamoura has become the preferred destination for all Olympic sailing teams for their winter training camps,” said Nuno Reis, director of Vilamoura Sailing.
As an event involving hundreds of children and young people from around the world, it is expected that the number of companions will equal or surpass the number of athletes, who will stay in Vilamoura for at least 8 days. However, throughout 2025, 8 preparatory events for this World Championship will be held in Vilamoura, accessible to all sailors who wish to take advantage of the opportunity to train and familiarise themselves with the waters of Vilamoura.
Similar to other large-scale sailing events promoted by Vilamoura Sailing, this world championship is seen as a powerful tool to combat seasonality.
The event will be presented at a Press Conference on 14 October at 11 am at Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura, attended by the Secretary of State for Sport, Pedro Dias, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, the President of the Portuguese Sailing Federation, Mário Quina, a representative of World Sailing, among other entities.
For more information contact:
Communications Office
+351 91 788 90 94
Follow these championships at:
Vilamoura Sailing Facebook
Vilamoura Sailing Instagram
