2025 ILCA Under 21 World Championships set sail in Ireland

Jointly hosted by the National Yacht Club (NYC) and the Royal St. George Yacht Club (RSGYC), in partnership with the International Laser Class Association (ILCA), the championship is set to be one of the largest youth sailing events on the international calendar.

“Here we are celebrating Inclusion, Equality and Egalitarianism in the interest of our sport”, said Co-Chairs Susan Spain and David Williams. “We are delighted to welcome you to the ILCA Under 21 World Championships 2025 in Dún Laoghaire!”.

Global Competition

The 2025 championship will feature 38 nations across both fleets, underlining its truly international scale. Europe leads the way with sailors from 26 countries, joined by 4 from Asia, 2 from Oceania, 2 from South America, 2 from North America, 1 from Africa, and 1 from the Caribbean islands.

In total, the ILCA 6 Women’s Under-21 World Championship will see 74 entries representing 28 countries, while the ILCA 7 Men’s Under-21 World Championship will field 142 entries from 35 countries.

Titles & Awards

At stake are some of the most prestigious titles in youth sailing. The leading male sailor will be crowned ILCA 7 Men’s U21 World Champion, while the top female competitor will take the title of ILCA 6 Women’s U21 World Champion. The best U19 male sailor will also earn recognition as the ILCA 7 Youth Men’s World Champion.

Awards will be presented in line with ILCA Honour Award By-Laws, with cubes and plaques for top finishers, plus prizes for the top three in each division.

Sailors to Watch

Several standout sailors are tipped to perform strongly. Among the women’s fleet, Maria Vittoria Arseni ITA, double Youth and ILCA 6 World Champion is a key contender. Hermione Ghicas GRE, the 2025 ILCA 6 Youth World Champion, is one to watch. Other notable sailors include Roos Wind NED, a past Youth World Champion, Evie Saunders AUS, and Ireland’s Sienna Wright IRL, who will enjoy strong home support.

In the men’s fleet, reigning Youth Sailing World Champion Antonio Pascali ITA is among the top contenders, alongside Dutch silver medalist Hidde Schraffordt NED, Portugal’s Joao Pontes POR, and Israel’s Rem Pulci Magen ISR. All have demonstrated world-class performances in recent international championships and are expected to feature prominently in Dun Laoghaire.

The 2025 ILCA Under-21 World Championship is organised by the Royal St George Yacht Club, the National Yacht Club, and ILCA, with support from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Sport Ireland, XOcean, and Rooster Sailing.

Text and images courtesy of ILCA Sailing.