More than 400 sailors have confirmed they will be taking part in Vilamoura 2026

With six months to go until the start of the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships, the event has already surpassed 400 registered sailors, confirming the huge interest generated by the most important international youth sailing competition.

From 15 to 19 December 2026, Marina de Vilamoura, in the Portuguese municipality of Loulé, will once again host the championship following the success of the 2025 edition. The competition will bring together the world’s best young sailors in 11 men’s, women’s and mixed events, following a format similar to that of Olympic sailing.

So far, 424 athletes and 146 coaches from 65 countries have already registered. Some categories, such as the men’s and mixed 29er and 420 classes, as well as the men’s iQFOiL and men’s ILCA 6 classes, have already reached capacity, whilst very few places remain available in several women’s events.

World Sailing CEO David Graham has emphasised that the high demand demonstrates the championship’s importance as a platform for developing the sport’s future stars.

‘The Youth Sailing World Championships are the premier event for young sailors and represent a crucial step on their path to the elite. With just over two years to go until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, many of them will be looking to showcase their talent and earn the chance to represent their country.’

For his part, Nuno Reis, CEO of Vilamoura Sailing and Prow Group, emphasised that hosting the event for a second consecutive time reflects the confidence placed in the Portuguese organisation following the success achieved in 2025.

With a history spanning more than 50 years, the World Youth Sailing Championships have established themselves as the premier international showcase for new generations of sailors. Numerous world champions and Olympic medallists took their first steps in this competition before reaching the elite level.

Sustainability will once again be one of the cornerstones of the event. The Vilamoura Sailing facilities are powered entirely by solar energy, and the organisers will promote measures to reduce environmental impact, such as the elimination of single-use plastics, the use of water refill stations, digital communications to minimise paper consumption, electric boats and buoys, as well as reusable and recyclable materials throughout the competition.

All signs point to the 2026 edition once again making Vilamoura the epicentre of world youth sailing, bringing together the sport’s future stars on a world-class stage.