It can honestly be said that the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships was one of the most challenging and exciting sailing events our youth have competed in so far, particularly carrying the privilege of competing from the venue hosting the LA 2028 Olympic Games. We were constantly tested, whether that be in starts, being able to execute our game plans or staying calm when situations were not as expected due to the level in talent of which the sailors on the racecourse had.

The racing was set amongst the San Pedro shipping channel with a week full of mixed conditions, on the first day we took a start to racing with about 6 knots which gradually increased to 10 knots as the day proceeded. Whereas, on the fourth day we had about 18-20 knots with over a metre of ocean swell. This venue had a trending pattern for the right-hand side of the course to be favoured due to the increased pressure off the cliff resulting in a immense lift for starboard tack every race. To add to these conditions, throughout the week we experienced extremely strong ocean currents with a top of 13 boats lengths per minute matching the wind direction, making starting quite a challenge and also some minor setbacks of dragging anchors and 25 minute upwinds.

Every day, the Race Officer was able to achieve the goal of two races, where all 12 scheduled races were sailed over this regatta.

Results wise, out of a 100 boat female fleet, Ruby Carter secured a 54^th place finish narrowly missing out on 53^rd due to a loss of a tie on countback, this also resulted in her finishing 4^th in silver fleet. Additionally, in the men’s 140 boat fleet Wilbur Bright finished 58^th overall competing in gold fleet and James Dale secured a solid 78^th overall and 8^th in silver fleet, very close in the contention for the top spot. James and Ruby also fell very close to qualifying for gold fleet reflecting the close competition between these world sailors. All RQ sailors came away with great results reflecting their efforts pre-worlds as they trained along-side one another with Dan Slater as their coach at this event.

Everyone is extremely grateful from the outcomes and learning of these championships and can’t wait to get back on the water to start refining their new skills. A heartfelt thanks for all the encouragement and support from the Australian’s back home.

By Ruby Carter

(Photo credit: Nicole Carter and Clinton Bright)