Pwllheli set to host UK’s top young sailors at 2025 RYA Youth Nationals

The UK’s top young talents are gearing up for the 2025 RYA Youth National Championships, taking place at Plas Heli, Pwllheli, from 14–18 April 2025.

Some 230 competitors across the ILCA 6, ILCA 7, 420, 29er, Nacra 15 and iQFOiL classes will go head-to-head over five days of intense racing on the spectacular waters of Cardigan Bay.

This flagship youth sailing event welcomes a mix of experience, from newcomers getting their first taste of multi-class youth competition, to seasoned racers chasing national titles and a shot at selection for key international regattas later this year.  

The RYA Youth Nationals continues to be a launchpad for some of the world's top racing sailors, while also fostering a lifelong love of the sport and forging friendships that endure well beyond the finish line.

Returning for 2025, Olympic-style medal racing will take place on the final day for fleets with over 20 entries, while iQFOiL riders will (weather permitting) race a dynamic mix of course, sprint, and marathon formats before their medal series finale, echoing the structure used at senior Olympic class events.

Organisers will also look to feature a day of high-octane sprint-style racing for the 29er fleet.

Throughout the event, the RYA will offer a programme of support and information sessions for both sailors and parents, including sporting parent workshops, insight into British Sailing talent pathways, and guidance on the next steps beyond youth racing.

The RYA will once again make use of robotic marks from MarkSetBot as part of its race management set up. These self-propelled, GPS-guided buoys – also used at SailGP, TP52 and America’s Cup events – allow for rapid and precise course changes, all while reducing environmental impact with no anchors on the sea bed, nor the need for traditional fuel-burning mark-laying boats.

Oli Woodcock, RYA Youth Racing Manager, said: “As we count down to Pwllheli, excitement is really building. Whether it’s a sailor’s first time at the event or they’re returning to challenge for the podium, this week is all about learning, racing hard and enjoying everything youth sailing has to offer.

“We’re also continuing to evolve the event experience – from new tech and race formats to popular initiatives like the Sailor Hub, which brings competitors together off the water. It’s shaping up to be another fantastic week.”

A full list of entries, plus ones to watch across the fleets, is available on the official RYA Youth Nationals event website. 

You can follow the action throughout the week via the event site and the British Sailing Pathway Instagram.