Four hundred and twenty-four sailors and 146 coaches from 65 nations have already registered for the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships, with several class quotas already filled and places in others running short.
The event returns to Marina de Vilamoura in Loulé, Portugal, from 15–19 December 2026, the same venue that hosted last year's edition. Eleven events across male, female and mixed categories will follow a format mirroring Olympic sailing, with all competitors on a level playing field.
Quota has been reached in the Boy's/Mixed 29er and 420 categories, Boy's iQFOiL and ILCA 6, with very few spots left in the female events across those classes.
World Sailing CEO David Graham linked the strong numbers to the Olympic cycle. "As the premier youth event in our sport, this event is a key part of the journey for young sailors, and just over two years out from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, many competitors will be hoping to impress and earn the opportunity to represent their nation." On the venue, he said: "We are delighted to continue working with Vilamoura Sailing and the city of Loulé where the excellent facilities and perfect conditions for sailing should deliver another incredible edition of the Youth Sailing World Championship after the success of last year's event."
Vilamoura Sailing and Prow Group CEO Nuno Reis said the return booking speaks for itself. "Following the success of the 2025 edition, we are proud to welcome the Youth Sailing World Championships back to Vilamoura. Hosting the championship for a second consecutive year reflects the confidence placed in our ability to provide a world-class stage for the next generation of Olympic sailors."
The championships have run for more than 50 years and served as a stepping stone for many world and Olympic champions. The 2026 edition is being organised with Vilamoura Sailing, the Portuguese Sailing Federation, the Municipality of Loulé, the Parish Council of Quarteira, and the support of the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth, Portugal Tourism, Vilamoura Marina, and Inframoura.
Sustainability is a stated priority across all partners. The Vilamoura Sailing facilities run entirely on solar energy, single-use plastics will be eliminated through water stations and reusable containers, and digital communication will cut paper waste. Electric robotic marks and organisational boats feature in the transport plan, and materials produced for the event are being designed with reuse at future championships in mind.
