Youth Sailing World Championships – Closing ceremony marks the end

by Richard Aspland / World Sailing on 4 Jan 2016 With the sailing complete, the 45th Youth Sailing World Championships officially came to an end with the closing ceremony at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Over the regatta a record 425 sailors from 76 nations competed in nine fleets, hunting for a Youth Sailing World Championships title and the ceremony was a chance to celebrate the achievements of the young sailors who triumphed.

Following a speech by YB Dato' Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim, President of the Malaysian Sailing Authority, World Sailing Vice President Quanhai Li spoke of the 'excellent sailing conditions' that the competitors enjoyed at the Malaysian Sailing Centre and complimented the beautiful racing areas. Mr Li also acknowledged the help of the organising committee, volunteers, staff and boat manufacturers that made the event.

Speaking of the young sailors, Mr Li stated, 'It is obvious you have enjoyed yourselves and made some new friends. Above all else it has been a pleasure to watch such camaraderie and good manners. You have demonstrated outstanding skills and sportsmanship but above all a passion for the sport of sailing.”

Someone who personified those sentiments was Hungary's Maria Erdi. Erdi was the recipient of the Bengt Julin Trophy which is chosen by the sailors themselves and given to a competitor or National team that has displayed acts of sportsmanship, respect, graciousness, friendliness and endeavour.

Following the speeches, the medal ceremonies began with gold, silver and bronze medals handed to the top three in each of the nine classes as well as the Nations Trophy which was presented to the top performing country at the Championships. This years Nations Trophy went to Australia.

As the World Sailing flag was lowered and presented to Negaraku and Allah Selamat Sultan who were representing Oman, the next hosts of the Youth Sailing World Championships, the event was officially closed.

List of winners

420 Boys
Gold – Will Logue and Bram Brakman (USA)
Silver - Leonardo Lombardi and Rodrigo Luz (BRA)
Bronze – Douglas Elmes and Colin O'Sullivan (IRL)

420 Girls
Gold – Julia Szmit and Hanna Dzik (POL)
Silver – Nia Jerwood and Lisa Smith (AUS)
Bronze – Maria Caba and Carla Diaz (ESP)

29er Boys
Gold - Peter Lin Janezic and Anze Podlogar (SLO)
Silver – Jackson Keon and Nick Egnot Johnson (NZL)
Bronze – Tomas Mathisen and Mads Mathisen (NOR)

29er Girls
Gold – Sirre Kronlof and Veera Hokka (FIN)
Silver – Laerke Graversen and Iben Nielsby Christensen (DEN)
Bronze – Greta Stewart and Kate Stewart (NZL)

SL16
Gold – Louis Flament and Charles Dorange (FRA)
Silver – Shaun Connor and Sophie Renouf (AUS)
Bronze – Tamryn Lindsay and William McKenzie (NZL)

Laser Radial Boys
Gold – Alistair Young (AUS)
Silver – George Gautrey (NZL)
Bronze – Daniel Whiteley (GBR)

Laser Radial Girls
Gold – Maria Erdi (HUN)
Silver – Hannah Anderssohn (GER)
Bronze – Magdalena Kwasna (POL)

RS:X Boys
Gold – Titouan le Bosq (FRA)
Silver – Francisco Saubidet Birkner (ARG)
Bronze – Brenno Francioli (BRA)

RS:X Girls
Gold - Stefania Elfutina (RUS)
Silver - Emma Wilson (GBR)
Bronze – Xian Ting Huang (CHN)

Nations Trophy
Australia
New Zealand
France