U.S. athlete selection procedures announced for 2025 World Sailing Youth Match Racing Worlds

2024 US Youth Match Racing Championship © Lexi Pline / US Sailing

US Sailing has released the athlete selection procedures for the 2025 World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship<, set to take place from July 21-27 in Gdynia, Poland.

This prestigious event will showcase the top young match racing talent with U.S. athletes competing for the chance to represent their country on an international stage. Full selection process available here.

The deadline to submit an application is April 2, 2025 at midnight ET.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered for selection, athletes must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible permanent resident with written authorization from World Sailing for an exemption under World Sailing Regulation 24.5.4.
• Hold a valid U.S. passport that does not expire within six months after the conclusion of the event.
• Be under 23 years old as of December 31, 2025 (born after December 31, 2002).
• Obtain a World Sailing Sailor ID by registering online.
• Commit to attending the full duration of the event.
• Be a current member in good standing with US Sailing.

The International Selection Committee (ISC) will oversee the selection process, with the US Sailing Match Racing Committee, led by Chair Pearson Potts, forming an evaluation group to assess applicants. The selection will be based on:

• Recent results at domestic and international graded match racing events listed on the US Sailing website.
• Overall match racing experience and performance.

• Interested skippers must submit their application online by midnight ET on April 2, 2025. The application form is available at US Sailing’s website.
• The selected skipper will have the responsibility of choosing their crew, who must also meet the eligibility criteria.

Athletes selected to compete must adhere to the Code of Conduct, emphasizing sportsmanship, fair play, anti-doping compliance, and respect for all involved and the sport itself. Athletes must also:

• Complete SafeSport training annually.
• Undergo a background check through US Sailing's provider.
• Avoid engaging in criminal activities or behaviors that detract from their competitive readiness.

An athlete may be removed from the team under the following circumstances:

• Voluntary withdrawal (must be submitted in writing to John Pearce at US Sailing).
• Violation of the Code of Conduct, which could result in disciplinary review and potential disqualification.

Athlete Ombudsman Support

For athletes with questions or concerns about the selection process, US Sailing provides access to an Athlete Ombudsman:

• US Sailing Athlete Ombudsman: Bob Lane ()
• USOPC Athlete Ombudsman: Kacie Wallace ()
• Phone: (719) 866-2299 | Toll-Free: 1-888-ATHLETE (1-888-284-5383)
• Website: Team USA Athlete Ombuds

As the National Governing Body for sailing in the United States, US Sailing upholds a non-discriminatory selection process. The committee ensures that all applicants are evaluated solely on merit, with no bias based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, and local laws. The 2025 World Sailing Youth Match Racing World

Championship promises to be a thrilling event. Interested athletes are encouraged to review the selection criteria and submit their applications before the deadline to seize this exciting opportunity.