Gdynia to Host the 2025 Youth Match Racing World Championship

Competition on RS21 Yachts

The regatta will be contested on RS21-class yachts, ensuring an even playing field and a high level of competition. These boats, widely used in the Polish Sailing League, are ideal for match racing, where precision in maneuvering, crew skills, and strategy are crucial.

Jim Morris, World Sailing’s Director of Events, emphasized the significance of choosing Gdynia as the host city:

"Gdynia is Poland’s sailing capital, and there is no better place for young match racing stars. We are thrilled to entrust this event to the city and look forward to an incredible regatta with an expanded lineup of teams from around the world. We have full confidence that the city and the Polish Yachting Association will deliver an outstanding event, inspiring even more young sailors to explore the thrilling discipline of match racing."

Tomasz Chamera, President of the Polish Yachting Association and Vice President of World Sailing, highlighted the importance of hosting such a prestigious event in Poland:

"We are extremely excited that Gdynia will host the Youth Match Racing World Championship. This is a fantastic opportunity for young sailors from around the world to compete at the highest level and showcase the talent of the next generation of sailors. Alongside World Sailing, we are committed to developing youth sailing. Events like these contribute to the global growth of the sport, and we are confident that the championship will be an unforgettable experience for all involved – competitors, spectators, and volunteers alike."

Competition format and rules

The championship will feature 16 teams consisting of four or five sailors, all under the age of 23. Each team must include at least one female and one male sailor, and the total crew weight cannot exceed 350 kg.

The competition format includes five stages: a round-robin qualifying phase, repechage rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand final. Before the final, a Petit Final will determine third and fourth place.

Gdynia – A hub for international sailing

Hosting the 2025 Youth Match Racing World Championship is another step in strengthening Gdynia’s position as a key global sailing center. The city, which regularly hosts international sailing events, has built a reputation as an excellent venue for top-level regattas. High organizational standards and the passion of the local sailing community contribute to the dynamic growth of the sport in Poland.

The full Notice of Race for the 2025 Youth Match Racing World Championship is available on the World Sailing website.