The 2025 ZHIK Youth Sail SA Youth Championships will get underway this weekend at Adelaide Sailing Club, bringing together more than 60 of the state’s best youth sailors and interstate competitors from Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria for two days of racing on September 27–28.

This year’s regatta carries extra significance as the Youth World Qualifying event for the International 420 class, with sailors chasing selection in the Australian Sailing Youth Team bound for the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal, this December.

42 boats are entered across a variety of classes, including the International 420, International Cadet, ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and Optimist fleets.

Olympic 49erFX sailor Olivia Price will be a special guest on Sunday, taking part in a Q&A session with Brady Lowe before presentations.

Event management is being led by Adelaide Sailing Club’s PRO Malcolm Hughes, NRO Laura Hughson, and Henley Sailing Club’s Marcus Cooper, with on-water jury support from Wayne Thompson, Michael Arnold, and Mikayla Thompson.

The championships will be followed by the SA Youth Sail Coaching Clinic on September 29–30, giving young sailors the rare chance to combine elite-level competition with focused coaching in the same week. The post-regatta clinic will feature a strong lineup of coaches, including:

• Lead Coach: Brady Lowe – Performance Pathways Skiff Coach (NSW)
• Luke Allison – Performance Pathways Coach (SA)
• Grace Cockman (VIC) – Optimist Intermediate
• Harry Higgins (SA) – Optimist Open
• Matt Young (SA) – International Cadet
• Ben Hinks & Max Sturman (SA) – ILCA
• Sophie Jackson (VIC) & Joal Mackenzie (SA) – 420

Adelaide Sailing Club Commodore Donna Evans welcomed the event, thanking members, volunteers, and sponsors for their support. The regatta is proudly supported by ZHIK and Adelaide Sailing Club partners Vili’s.

With racing, coaching, and community spirit on full display, the 2025 Youth Sail SA Youth Championships promises to be a thrilling start to the new season.

Good Luck to all competitors!

2025 ZHIK YOUTH SAIL SA Event HERE

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