A group of Australia’s developing young sailors are preparing to take to the water on Monday as racing begins at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships (YSWC) in Vilamoura, Portugal.
This year’s championships provide a unique stage for emerging sailors to build independence, refine their skills under pressure, and experience the environment that international-level competition can provide. The week offers exposure to new conditions, new competitors and new ways of thinking, helping shape well-rounded, adaptable and confident sailors for the future.
National Participation Manager Ian Leeson said the YSWC plays an important role in supporting the growth of young sailors across the country.
“The Youth Worlds is a fantastic opportunity for our Australian youth sailors to develop skills, gain international experience, build confidence and develop life-long friendships. All members of the team have worked hard to get here, and we’re super proud to support them as they get ready for the event and make the most of every moment on and off the water.”
Australia will be represented across multiple classes, among them the Nacra 15, which continues to strengthen opportunities for young sailors interested in multihull sailing and supports long-term growth in a mixed youth class.
Nacra 15 sailor Emma Webb says one of the standout parts of the YSWC is the chance to connect with other young sailors:
“I’m most looking forward to meeting other young sailors from around the world and being part of such a big event. I’m also excited about the opportunity to develop my skills in bigger fleets and race in a mix of conditions. The regatta definitely opens up a lot of opportunities, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
Throughout the week, the sailors will be supported by a dedicated coaching and support team, providing guidance both on the water and behind the scenes. Their support helps create an environment where young sailors can continue to learn, build confidence and get the most out of the opportunities that come with competing at an international regatta.
The 2025 Australian Youth Sailing Team
ILCA 6 (Women’s One-Person Dinghy)
- Caterina Meyer – Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – QLD
ILCA 6 (Men’s One-Person Dinghy)
- Healy Ryan – Double Bay Sailing Club – NSW
iQFOiL Youth (Women’s Windsurfer)
- Amelia Wilson – Bayview Yacht Racing Association/ Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron – NSW
iQFOiL Youth (Men’s Windsurfer)
- Rory Meehan – Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – QLD
Formula Kite (Men’s Kiteboarding)
- Russell Harris – Port Denison Sailing Club – QLD
29er (Women’s Skiff)
- Klara Travlos – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club – WA
- Alice Travlos – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club – WA
29er (Male/Mixed Skiff)
- Sebastian Cheng – Woollahra Sailing Club – NSW
- Jacob Marks – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia – NSW
420 (Women’s Two-Person Dinghy)
- Imogen Bates – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club – WA
- Ashlie Duffield – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club – WA
420 (Male/Mixed Two-Person Dinghy)
- William Gaylard – Largs Bay Sailing Club – SA
- Fraser Baker – Largs Bay Sailing Club – SA
Nacra 15 (Mixed Two-Person Multihul)
- Emma Webb – Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club – NSW
- Samuel Dalton – Manning Park Amateur Sailing Club – NSW
Team Coaches and Management
The team will be supported at the event by the following coaching and management group:
- Hayley Clark (WA) – Head Coach
- Jaime Swavley (NSW) – Coach
- Ian Leeson (SA) – AS Staff, Assistant Coach & Joint Team Leader
- Lesley Fasala (VIC) – AS Staff, Joint Team Leader
Participation and youth strategies remain Australian Sailing’s key focus and funding priority, supported through strong coaching programs, YouthSail events and the Youth Squad. Together, these initiatives give more young sailors access to age-appropriate development opportunities and strengthen the pathways for those aiming to represent Australia at future YSWC.
Australian Sailing encourages anyone interested in supporting the team’s involvement at this year’s event to consider making a tax-deductible donation through the Australian Sports Foundation. Contributions directly assist young Australians in accessing valuable international opportunities and help ensure sailors have the resources they need throughout the campaign, easing the financial pressures associated with international competition.
It is an exciting moment for these young sailors as they prepare to take their next steps on the world stage. We wish all competitors the very best for a safe, positive and enriching experience at the YSWC, and look forward to seeing their journeys continue well beyond the event.
You can follow the team’s progression through the event website.
If you’re interested in representing Australia at the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships, you can find all the information and selection guidelines here: https://www.sailingyouth.org.au/national-teams/2026-youth-sailing-world-championships
@AustSail
Click HERE for the original article from Australian Sailing
Interested in what we’ve written about Australian Sailing lately ?
