Henry Piggott’s Journey to the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships

Since joining the RQYS Youth Squad in 2021, Henry has made waves in the sailing community. A state champion in both the Optimist and ILCA 4 classes and a club champion, Henry’s journey began in the Opti Tackers program, where he first honed his skills. But this year, the young sailor took his ambitions to new heights, qualifying to represent Australia in the ILCA 4 World Championships after a standout performance at the national championships in Adelaide last January.

Henry’s latest adventure took him to Viana do Castelo, Portugal, where he competed in the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships from June 22 to 30, 2024. With the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, the event promised challenging conditions, with big winds and swelling seas—a far cry from the more familiar waters of Moreton Bay. Representing Australia alongside two other boys and four girls, Henry was part of a strong contingent from RQYS, with teammates Caterina Meyer and Molly Schotte also flying the flag.

Eager to get a head start, Henry arrived early in Portugal to join an international coaching clinic. The week-long training camp brought together sailors from Ireland, Malta, the US, the UK, and Australia, focusing on heavy air sailing and mastering the large ocean swell—skills crucial for the upcoming races. This experience was not just about refining technique but also building camaraderie, with Henry forming lasting friendships and enjoying team dinners with his fellow sailors.

The Youth World Championships are one of the most prestigious youth sailing events globally, attracting 430 competitors, including 280 in the boys’ regatta. The competition was fierce, with the boys divided into four fleets of 70 boats for the qualifying series. Each day, the competitors rotated between fleets, vying for a spot in the coveted Gold fleet, which would see the top 70 sailors from the qualifiers go head-to-head in the finals.

For Henry, the regatta was more than just a race—it was a chance to push his limits. His primary goal was to improve his downwind performance, particularly his surfing ability, as significant gains can be made in this area in an ILCA. From a competitive standpoint, he aimed to make the Gold fleet and test his mettle against the world’s best.

Henry’s campaign started strong, with a stellar fourth-place finish in the first race of the qualifying series. Consistent top-20 finishes in the remaining races secured his spot in the Gold fleet for the finals—a remarkable achievement for a 15-year-old competing against older and more experienced sailors.

The finals, however, brought their own set of challenges. As the wind picked up, Henry, one of the smaller and younger competitors, found himself battling the stronger breezes. Despite these obstacles, he finished an impressive 53rd overall and 14th in the under-16 Boys category—a result that left him both proud and motivated for the future.

For Henry, the highlights of the regatta were not just about rankings. Making the Gold fleet and sailing against international champions was a dream come true. He also learned valuable lessons, particularly the need to be more aggressive and assertive at mark roundings, a point driven home when he lost 15 places in one race due to a less-than-perfect maneuver. However, Henry was pleased with his physical fitness, a testament to the rigorous training regime he followed leading up to the Worlds. His advice to future competitors? Make physical conditioning a priority, as the ILCA is a physically demanding boat to sail.

Beyond the racing, Henry embraced the cultural experience of Portugal. He developed a taste for the local delicacy—Portuguese custard tarts—and enjoyed the camaraderie of the after-party, earning the nickname “Kangaroo Man” among his new international friends.
This was Henry’s first international regatta, but it certainly won’t be his last. With his sights set on more global competitions and ultimately the Olympics, Henry is inspired by dual Gold Medalist Matt Wearn’s recent success in Marseille. As Brisbane 2032 approaches, Henry is more determined than ever to continue his journey on the world stage, with the Olympic podium as his ultimate destination.

Cover Image By: ProMedia

Results

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