Andrew Lewis leans hard against the wind during the October 2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup in Qingdao, China. The championship moves to Corpus Christi in 2018. Courtesy Photo
For the first time in 20 years, the International Sailing Federation’s World Youth Sailing Championships returns to the United States. Corpus Christi will host the 2018 ISAF event, beating out bids from Poland, Argentina, China, Italy and Azerbaijan.
The ISAF is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).The sailing championship has been held in 26 countries, with sailors representing over 100 nations in competition.
The first event was hosted in Sweden in 1971; this year’s event was hosted by Portugal. Next year’s is slated for Malaysia.
The last youth sailing championship to be held in the U.S. was in 1996 in Newport, R.I.
Competition is open to sailors 19 years and younger and is held in mid July. With registration, training, opening and closing ceremonies and five days of racing, the event stretches over eight days.
Known as a global celebration of youth sailing, the Youth Worlds is a breeding ground for future champions, according to the ISF. Events are broadcast internationally on TV and involve hundreds of racers and coaches, not to mention thousands of fans.
