Youth Sail NT has finished for another year. 2026 saw record numbers across all fleets with the return of an RS Quest fleet to the event. Over the course of the week, we had 43 sailors, 4 coaches, 4 instructors, 14 volunteers and countless parents that assisted with onshore logistics. 

Youth Sail is an Australian Sailing annual event that is run in every State & Territory. The event consists of 2-3 coaching days followed by the State Youth Championships. Youth Sail NT is usually run in the final week of the NT school holidays. 

This year we had 6 divisions including Green Fleet, Minnow Novice, Minnow Open, ILCA 4, ILCA 6 & RS Quest. The coaching clinic saw 3 coaches travel from interstate including Olympic sailor Nia Jerwood to coach the Minnow & ILCA fleets whilst the Green Fleet & Optis were coached by the local instructors. Winds were variable with some windy mornings at the start of the week. Sailors had the opportunity to work on their racing skills and by all reports everyone improved tremendously.  

During the coaching clinic there was a Guest Speaker event with Nia Jerwood. The event saw about 40 people, both young and old, attend and learn about what it takes to reach the Olympics, where to afterwards and some of Nia’s favourite moments along the way. There were opportunities to ask questions and even try out some of her uniform. I am pretty sure we now have some inspired junior sailors as a result! 

The coaching clinic was followed by the NT Youth Championships. Unfortunately, the wind was rather unpredictable at times with races in lighter winds and sometimes a dying breeze. Race Officer Stuart was able to get 6 races over the two days, whilst the Green Fleet smashed out 9 races around their inflatable pool toys on a separate course. 

As always, Youth Sail is all about fun, friends and sailing. Friday was fancy dress day, and it was great to see instructors, volunteers and sailors all getting into the spirit… event the Race Officer was seen sporting fairy wings and a tutu! 

For those that enjoyed the event mark your calendars now…. 2027 Youth Sail NT (5-9 July 2027). 

Congratulations to all the young sailors for their efforts, especially the winners, thank you to the volunteers, parents, coaches and instructors without whom we wouldn’t have had such a great event. Special thanks to Zhik, Nautical Supplies & the NT Government for their continued support.

NT Youth Championships 

Minnow (Novice)

1. Finn Shea
2. Jarrah Vuat
3. Freddie Scott 

Minnow (Open)

1. Willem Smith
2. Keira Hall
3. Max Winter 

ILCA 4

1. Leo Batenburg
2. Josef Ansell
3. Sam McManus 

ILCA 6

1. Will McGrath
2. Tiger Batenburg
3. Jeremy Atwell 

RS Quest

1. Aaron Taylor & Maggie Harrison
2. Abbey Heron & Jazmin Tooke
3. Adelaide Scott & Matilda Culgan 

Results: https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/54/results/series/5537/pointscore?view=individual&handicap=s

Youth Sail NT Awards

Most Improved:Josie Kaye

Coach Award: Liam Hall

Sportsmanship:Will McGrath

Spirit of Sailing Award:Kody Young & Jakov Pejic

Best Dressed:Amelia Johnson & Lily McNamee, Harri Moss & Leo Batenburg