The championship began with 276 sailors from 41 countries in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The first day experienced challenging weather, with light and shifty winds causing delays and leading to only two races for each fleet. Despite the conditions, the sailors showcased their skills with notable performances from Theodor Middelthon (Norway) and Eve McMahon (Ireland).
Improved weather on day 2 allowed for smoother sailing, and three races were completed for each fleet. Theodor Middelthon continued to lead in the ILCA 7 category, while Eve McMahon held her position in the ILCA 6 category. The day also saw strong performances from Italian sailor Mattia Cesana and Singaporean sailor Ryan Lo.
On day 3 stronger winds challenged the sailors, with gusts reaching up to 20 knots. This provided an opportunity for more tactical racing. Theodor Middelthon and Eve McMahon maintained their leads. However, the day also brought some shake-ups in the rankings, with sailors like Mattia Cesana closing the gap.
Day 4 was a rest day, allowing sailors to recuperate and strategize. Many took the opportunity to explore the local culture and scenery of Viana do Castelo, while others focused on maintaining their equipment.
The penultimate day 5 featured consistent winds, allowing for competitive racing. The standings remained tight with Theodor Middelthon and Eve McMahon still in the lead. The battle for the top positions intensified as sailors like Rem Pulci Magen from Israel and Vasileia Karachaliou from Greece pushed hard to improve their standings.
The final day offered ideal sailing conditions, culminating in a thrilling conclusion to the championship. Theodor Middelthon secured the top spot in the ILCA 7 category, while Eve McMahon claimed victory in the ILCA 6 category. In the ILCA 7 Youth Men (U19), Rem Pulci Magen emerged victorious. The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, celebrating the achievements of all participants.
The 2024 ILCA Under-21 World Championships showcased the next generation of sailing talent, with impressive performances and tight competition throughout the event.
For more detailed results and information, you can visit the official event page.