The world's best young ILCA 4 sailors gather in Denmark for the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth Worlds
by ILCA Class Association 2 Aug 08:42 PDT
1-9 August 2026
450 young sailors from 51 nations have arrived in Aarhus, Denmark for the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth Worlds © Peter Brogger
The 2026 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships are officially under way at the Aarhus International Sailing Centre, where approximately 450 sailors representing 51 nations have begun arriving for one of the most prestigious youth events on the international sailing calendar.
Registration and equipment inspection opened today, with the first 150 sailors scheduled to have their boats and equipment inspected and approved during the opening day.
Across the venue, activity is building as dinghies and coach boats are launched, teams settle in, and sailors head out on the water to familiarize themselves with the local conditions before racing begins.
Practice race and Opening Ceremony
The official practice race will take place on 3 August, alongside the Coaches' and Team Leaders' Meeting. Later that evening, competitors will be welcomed at the official Opening Ceremony, beginning with a colourful Parade of Nations along the waterfront overlooking Aarhus Bay, where the championship races will unfold over the following days.
Six fleets racing on two courses
Championship racing begins on 4 August. The sailors are divided into six fleets competing across two racecourses, with two girls' fleets and four boys' fleets.
The Qualifying Series is scheduled to feature two back-to-back races each day. Provided at least four qualifying races have been completed, the Final Series will begin on 7 August.
Challenging Danish summer conditions await
The current forecast points to classic Danish summer sailing conditions, with winds expected to vary in both strength and direction throughout the championship. Sailors should also be prepared for a mix of sunshine and showers, making adaptability a key factor in the race for the world titles.
On 9 August, the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth World Champions will be crowned, with the world's most talented young sailors competing for the coveted gold medals.
Among the sailors expected to be in contention are defending ILCA 4 World Champion Blanca Ferrando Babe (ESP) and 2026 ILCA 4 European Champion 2026 Capucine Deltel (FRA) in the girls' fleet as well as 2026 ILCA 4 European Champion Enrico Morina (ITA) and Stefanos Samaras (GRE) who was 2nd at the Europeans 2026 in the boys' fleet.
More world-class youth sailing to follow
The excitement in Aarhus does not end with the ILCA 4 championship. Just two days later, on 11 August, the city will welcome another global youth sailing event as the 2026 ILCA 6 Youth World Championships get under way, bringing another week of world-class competition to Denmark.
Championship Schedule:
- 1 August - Registration and Equipment Inspection
- 2 August - Registration and Equipment Inspection
- 3 August - Registration and Equipment Inspection, Practice Race, Coaches' & Team Leaders' Meeting, Opening Ceremony
- 4-6 August - Qualifying Series (two back-to-back races daily)
- 7 August - Qualifying Series / Final Series (if a minimum of four qualifying races have been completed)
- 8 August - Final Series (two back-to-back races)
- 9 August - Final Series (two back-to-back races), Prize Giving Ceremony
For further information you can visit the event website, 2026ilca4youth.ilca-worlds.org