Stage is Set for 2025 Youth Championship
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. (October 8, 2025) – Over 200 athletes will take to Lauderdale Yacht Club for the 2025 U.S. Youth Championship October 11-13. Sailors will be fighting for trophies in six classes: the 29er, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, i420, Nacra 15, and iQFOiL.
This year’s championship carries extra weight for the eligible sailors in the Youth Worlds classes (all but the ILCA 7): The top eligible team in each Youth Worlds class will qualify for the 2025 World Sailing Youth World Championship in Vilamoura, Portugal December 12-20.
The scale of this championship is unlike any other hosted by US Sailing. With over 200 athletes – 45 of those being Youth National Team members, part of the nationally recognized youth talent in the US – from across the country and the world, the caliber of Youth Champs is next level.
“Since its founding 52 years ago, the US Youth Championship has always been a special regatta,” said John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Racing Director. “This year it is also the Youth Worlds Team qualifier, which adds an extra level of competition to the event. US Sailing is grateful to Lauderdale Yacht Club for hosting this regatta at their awesome racing venue, and to all the race officials, coaches, volunteers, and parents who support these youth athletes on and off the water.”
Youth Worlds isn’t the only thing competitors are fighting for: the top half of finishers in each class will also receive an invitation to US Sailing’s 2025 Thanksgiving US Youth Team Camp in Miami this November. The camp will host these athletes plus those on the Youth National Team November 22-25 for a week of concentrated learning and skill building.
Learn more about the camp and the Youth National Team here: https://www.ussailing.org/teams/youthteam/
Racing will be held in the ocean off Ft. Lauderdale, with three different race circles for competitors.
Event Schedule
Friday Oct. 10
9am – 5pm on-site registration
12pm – 4pm optional practice time
2pm practice race warning
5pm competitors meeting + opening ceremony
Saturday, Oct. 11
9am morning briefing
11am First warning signal
Sunday, Oct 12
9am morning briefing
11am first warning signal
Monday, Oct. 13
9am morning briefing
11am first warning signal
2pm no warning signal after
after racing: awards ceremony
Lauderdale Yacht Club is pulling out all the stops for sailors, with a full social schedule to accompany the world class sailing. Alongside daily food for competitors, the club is hosting a championship dinner on Sunday featuring guest speaker Steve Benjamin, an Olympic medalist, World Champion, and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. The club has secured a number of local sponsors elevating the event to new heights. US Sailing parter Polar Seltzer will also be on site at the event, providing competitors with their refreshing new winter flavors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome sailors, families, and friends from across the country to Lauderdale Yacht Club for Youth Champs this weekend. As the sails rise and the races begin, we look forward to incredible competition, great sportsmanship, and the camaraderie that makes this event so special,” said Jay Weaver, LYC Co-Event Chair. “It’s shaping up to be a weekend filled with excitement on the water, fun on shore, and memories that will last long after the final horn. Fair winds to all. Let’s make this a championship to remember!”
How to follow
Results & Notice Board: https://theclubspot.com/regatta/ClM7E0PnQZ/#notice-board
Follow US Sailing on Instagram and Facebook to see regular updates from the event
Thank you to the event’s local sponsors:
Local Title Sponsor
Moss Construction
Premier Sponsors
Maserati of Fort Lauderdale
Tripp Scott Law Firm
Supporting Sponsors
Coastal Partners UBS Financial Services Inc. Private Wealth Management
Merrill A Bank of America Company Damiano Martin Wealth Management
Community Partners
Pier 66
Allini Water
Coastal Waste
Professional Boat
Exquisite Catering by Robert
DGM Yacht Refitting
Locality Bank
