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New Zealand's young sailing stars have wrapped up their preparation for the World Sailing Youth World Championships in style, delivering podium performances at the Youth Portugal Grand Prix in Vilamoura over the weekend.
Boys’ 29er crew Will Leech and Will Mason proved they could be among the teams to beat, winning their fleet with a confident display across three days of varied conditions. In the 420, Tessa Clinton and Amelia Higson signalled their medal credentials with an overall silver, while training partners Cam Brown and Oli Stone finished a close fourth.
The regatta featured more than 50 sailors from several nations and served as a critical tune-up for the youth worlds, which begin in Vilamoura this weekend.
Will Leech and Will Mason were first overall in the 29er. Photo / PROW Media
Leech, Mason, Clinton, Higson, Brown and Stone make up almost half of the 13-strong NZL Sailing Foundation Youth Team who battled through heavy weather at the national selection trials at Manly Sailing Club in September to earn their place. Many already know the intensity of youth worlds competition: Clinton and ILCA 6 sailor Chloe Turner are each preparing for their third campaigns, while Brown, Leech and iQFOiL standout Ben Rist have also previously competed at the event.
Yachting New Zealand youth programme manager Sam Mackay said shortly after the youth trials that the team’s goal now is simple: consistency. “These sailors have shown they know how to win races,” he said. “Now the challenge is delivering a complete regatta against the world’s best.”
New Zealand has a proud legacy at the youth worlds - Olympic champions and America’s Cup winners have launched their careers on this stage — and the current team arrives hungry to follow that path.
Girls' 420 crew Tessa Clinton and Amelia Higson finished second. Photo / PROW Media
The opening ceremony takes place on Saturday, before six days of racing from Sunday will determine the next names in New Zealand’s long line of sailing success.
