29 September 2026
British Youth Sailors Selected to Fly the Flag at 2026 Youth Worlds
Britain’s rising stars prepare to represent their country.
Fifteen of Britain's brightest young sailing talents have been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships, taking place at Marina de Vilamoura, Loulé, Portugal, from 15–19 December.
The event will bring together the world’s leading young sailors across the iQFOiL, Formula Kite, ILCA 6, Nacra 15, 29er and 420 classes.
Following a competitive selection process, based on results from Youth National and International events, the final squad brings together some of the most exciting young talent in British sailing.
Let's meet Britain's Youth Worlds squad!
In the iQFOiL, Beau Handley from Weymouth, WPNSA, and Sophie Clark from Andrew Simpson, Portsmouth, will represent GBR. Sophie returns for a second Youth Worlds, saying: "Representing the British youth sailing team at Youth World's for a second time, is a huge honour, and I'm incredibly proud to wear the British flag again."
Beau added: "Representing team GB has always been my dream! I'm so grateful to everyone who has faith in me to get the best possible results."
In Formula Kite, commitment is high. Ben Field from Weymouth, WPNSA, is ready to put two years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice to the test, having relocated from the Philippines to the UK to give his sailing the very best chance, as Ben explains: "Representing the British Sailing Youth Team at the Youth Worlds means so much to me. It's the result of two years of hard training and sacrifices, including moving away from my family to train."
Ben Field, representing GBR in the Formula Kite Male Fleet.
In the ILCA 6, Toby Waggett, sailing from Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club and Tynemouth, will represent GBR in the male fleet, while Jess Powell from Draycote Sailing Club will compete in the female fleet.
Jess returns for a second Youth Worlds, saying: "I am very proud of being selected for the 2nd time to represent the British Sailing Youth Team ILCA 6 Women at the Youth Worlds. I have worked very hard in my training and events with the RYA Youth Squad."
Toby added: "I am very excited and proud to represent my country at the Youth World Championships and to give it my best shot!"
The Nacra 15 Mixed fleet will see Marcus King from Weston Sailing Club and Maddie Jinks from Plymouth Yacht Club return to the start line together. Both are competing at their second Youth Worlds, with Maddie describing the opportunity as particularly special: "As this is my second and final Youth Worlds, representing the British Sailing Youth Team takes on an even bigger meaning for me. Wearing the GBR flag on the water is an incredible honour, but to me, it's also proof that all the long hours, winter training sessions, and hard work have paid off."
Marcus highlighted the team effort behind their selection, saying: "I feel extremely lucky to be supported by my parents, I have been helped by all my coaches and fellow sailors from not just the UK but everyone who has pushed and tested us abroad too."
Marcus King and Maddie Jinks representing GBR in the Nacra 15 Mixed fleet.
In the 29er male fleet, Jac Bailey from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club and Ben Sinfield from Llandudno Junction, will take to the water. Jac said: "It is a privilege to represent the British Sailing Youth Team at the Youth Worlds as it is one of the most prestigious youth events."
Ben added his thanks, "RYA Cymru Wales & Sport Wales have helped me hugely in getting to this point."
The 29er female fleet will feature Freya Hutchinson and Joanna MacAlister, both from Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Joanna said: "It means a lot, reaching the highest reward after all our hard work. Our coaches and parents have helped us massively!"
Freya added: "I am so proud to be selected to represent GBR at the youth worlds. I want to carry on representing GBR in my future sailing career."
Rounding out the squad is the 420 fleet, with siblings Hugo and Isla Fletcher both selected to represent GBR, alongside Alex Flint and India Eastwood respectively.
Hugo from Royal Southern Yacht Club said: "Representing the British Sailing Team at the Youth Worlds means I am no longer racing for myself; I am racing for a team and my country as well."
Alex, from Royal Varuna Yacht Club described his selection as a result of "recognised hard work and pride".
In the 420 female fleet, India Eastwood from Bosham Sailing Club and Isla Fletcher also from Royal Southern Yacht Club will represent GBR.
India Eastwood and Isla Fletcher representing GBR in the 420 female fleet
India thanked her family, coaches, helm Hugo Fletcher, Hugo's parents, Mark Howard and the 420 Class Association for their support and training opportunities. Isla added: "Having been working towards the Youth Worlds for over 3 years, I feel grateful that I have been selected and have the opportunity to represent my country at such a prestigious event."
She also highlighted the "enormous support" of her parents and coaches in helping her reach the event.
For more than 50 years, the Youth Sailing World Championships have provided a global stage for the next generation of sailing talent and have acted as a major stepping stone for many world and Olympic champions.
RYA Youth Racing Manager Oli Woodcock said:
"Congratulations to all the sailors selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 World Sailing Youth World Championships. Selection to this team is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work, commitment and performances these sailors have demonstrated throughout the season.
The Youth Worlds is one of the most prestigious events in youth sailing, bringing together the best young sailors from around the world. It provides a fantastic opportunity for sailors to challenge themselves against international competition, gain valuable experience and continue their development within the British Sailing pathway.
We're excited to support this talented group as they prepare for the championships and look forward to seeing them represent Great Britain with pride, professionalism and determination on the world stage. The coaching team is looking forward to working with the sailors over the coming months to help them achieve their best possible performance at the championships."
The team will now turn its focus to preparations ahead of the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal this December.