Three hundred of the world’s top sailors representing over 60 nations are expected to descend on Atakoy Marina in Istanbul this July for youth’s sailing blue ribbon event. Since its launch in 1971 the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship has gone from strength to strength, attracting ever increasing numbers of participants and nations and proving a stringboard onto the world stage for many of the sport’s greatest stars. Triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie (GBR), three-time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts (NZL) and Volvo Ocean Race winner Stuart Bannatyne (NZL) are just three legends of the sport to have first made their mark at the Youth Worlds. The 40th anniversary edition of the Youth Worlds at Istanbul in 2010 provides the perfect stage for the next generation of sailing stars to announce their arrival.

The Turkish Sailing Federation will organize the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship under the authority of ISAF. The Atakoy Marina, located at the southern end of the Bosphorus Strait, will host the championship, with racing set to take place on the Marmara Sea.

Gulden Aktugan, Event Manager for the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, said, “We’re delighted to be welcoming the world’s best young sailors to Istanbul for the 40th edition of the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship. Preparations are well underway to make this a spectacular championship fitting for the Youth Worlds 40th anniversary. As the only city located on two continents and as joint European capital of culture in 2010, Istanbul is sure to provide all the competitors and coaches with a truly memorable experience.”

Open to competitors aged under 19 in the year of the championship (i.e. for Turkey, under 19 on 31 December 2010) in the events and equipment listed below (all supplied), the Youth Worlds occupies a unique place in the sailing calendar. Simply getting to the championship is a major achievement for most as entry is limited to one boat per nation, per event, meaning sailors first having to win through their national qualification series.

2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship Events
(Event – Equipment)

Boy’s One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial
Girl’s One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial
Boy’s Two Person Dinghy - 420
Girl’s Two Person Dinghy - 420
Boy’s Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin
Girl’s Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin
Open Multihull - Sirena SL16
Open High Performance Dinghy - 29er