Great Britian Strike Gold at Youth Sailing World Championships

The British Youth Sailing Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships, winning three medals — including two golds — in Vilamoura, Portugal.

In the female 29er class, Lila Edwards (Parkstone YC) and Amelie Hiscocks (Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy) held their nerve in a dramatic final day of racing to secure the world title by a single point. Meanwhile, Sabine Potter (Warsash SC) and Merle Nieuwland (Cardiff Bay YC) were confirmed as world champions in 420 class after racing was abandoned on the final day due to conditions. Emma Rennie (Parkstone YC) capped off an incredible week for GBR’s female sailors, securing a silver in the Formula Kite class.

The Youth Sailing World Championships represent the pinnacle of the youth pathway, with strict age criteria for sailors aged over 12 and under 19. A springboard for Olympic and professional sailing careers, many former Youth Worlds participants have gone on to achieve Olympic glory—including the world’s most decorated sailor Sir Ben Ainslie.

Despite challenging conditions, Hiscocks and Edwards delivered a composed third-place finish in the opening race of the final day, while their 18th in the final race was discarded, allowing them to stay just ahead of their closest rivals.

Speaking following their win Hiscocks said: “It doesn’t feel real yet. It is great for the whole team, we have won some other medals and had a bit of a celebration in the water. It hasn’t sunk in and I don’t think it will for a while.”

Reflecting on the achievement Edwards said: “We have worked so hard and I am so glad it has paid off. Our aim going out there was to keep it simple and sail the best race we could. In the first one, we managed to do that, the second one went not quite to plan. But luckily we had done enough.”

Potter and Nieuwland’s consistency across the week proved decisive, as they finished six points clear at the top of the standings.

Nieuwland said: “The support we have had from the coaches is just unbelievable; unlike anything we have ever experienced. My heart was in my throat all day, it was awful. We have been keeping our cool and mentally preparing ourselves to go out but the last few hours have been torture!”

Potter added: “It’s unreal. Going into this, we never thought this was possible for us. It is an amazing achievement, we are just so happy. We have done four amazing years together and to finish like this has been wonderful.”

RYA Lead Pathway Coach, Johnny McGovern said: “The medals are a fantastic achievement, but they represent something much bigger. Coaches, support staff and families all played a vital role in creating an environment where every sailor felt supported, challenged and able to perform at their best.

That collective culture is a real strength of the British Sailing Pathway and reflects our focus on developing strong fundamentals, encouraging ownership and learning, and preparing sailors to succeed on the world stage. It was a real privilege to lead this group through what will be remembered as a very special moment."

Photo credit: Prow Media I World Sailing