The 2025 ZHIK Youth Sail South Australia Youth Championships wrapped up over the weekend of September 27–28 at Adelaide Sailing Club, bringing together more than 60 of the state’s best youth sailors alongside competitors from Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and regional South Australia.

Across two days of racing in light conditions, sailors competed in fleets including the International 420, International Cadet, ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and Optimist classes. Despite Sunday’s breeze failing to cooperate, three quality races were completed on Saturday to decide the championships.

Despite light winds, the 2025 ZHIK Youth Sail SA Youth Championships once again showcased the talent, resilience, and sportsmanship of young sailors across the state and beyond — a promising sign for the future of Australian sailing.

The event also doubled as the Qualifying Regatta for the International 420 class, with selection for the Australian Sailing Youth Team on the line. Congratulations to Fraser and Will (SA – LBSC/CYCSA), who took out first male team honours, and Imogen and Ashlie (WA – FRBYC/FSC), the first female team, who will both represent Australia at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal this December.

Special guest Olivia Price, Olympic 49erFX sailor, joined the sailors on Sunday for a Q&A session with Brady Lowe, sharing insights into her journey and inspiring the next generation. She also assisted with the prize giving, much to the excitement of the competitors.

Event management was led by Adelaide Sailing Club’s PRO Malcolm Hughes, NRO Laura Hughson, and Henley Sailing Club’s Marcus Cooper, supported by an experienced jury team of Wayne Thompson, Michael Arnold, and Mikayla Thompson. The championships would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers both on and off the water — thank you to all who contributed.

Adding to the fun onshore, sailors and supporters enjoyed the much-anticipated Vili’s after-sailing snack, which proved to be just as popular as the racing itself — a perfect way to wrap up each day of competition.

Results

International 420 Class
1st Fraser & Will – Largs Bay SC / CYCSA (SA)
2nd Imogen & Ashlie – FRBYC / FSC (WA)
3rd Oscar & Finnlay – Safety Beach SC (VIC)

International Cadet
1st Calin & Alex – Adelaide SC
2nd Rollie & Jack – Port Lincoln YC
3rd Oscar & Jack – Largs Bay SC

ILCA 4
1st Will – Brighton & Seacliff YC
1st Female: Zhali – Brighton & Seacliff YC
2nd Connor – Albury Wodonga SC
3rd Josh – Adelaide SC

ILCA 6
1st Argon – Brighton & Seacliff YC
2nd Sam – Brighton & Seacliff YC
3rd Corbin – Brighton & Seacliff YC

Optimist Open
1st Toby – Brighton & Seacliff YC
1st Female: Cleo – Brighton & Seacliff YC
2nd Oliver M – Brighton & Seacliff YC
3rd Oliver J – Brighton & Seacliff YC

Optimist Intermediate
1st Huxley – Adelaide SC
2nd Asher – Adelaide SC
3rd Logan – Largs Bay SC

Interclub Trophy
Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club

The championships will be immediately followed by the SA Youth Sail Coaching Clinic (September 29–30), giving young sailors the opportunity to combine elite-level competition with specialised coaching. The clinic features a strong line-up of coaches including Lead Coach Brady Lowe (Performance Pathways Skiff Coach, NSW), and new SA Performance Pathway Coach Luke Allison, alongside a team of nationally recognised youth coaches across Optimist, ILCA, Cadet and 420 classes.

For the full event results, click here. 

Save the Date: The 2026 ZHIK Youth Sail SA Championships will return from 26–29 September 2026.