After a weekend of patience, perseverance, and tactical racing, champions were crowned at the 2025 U.S. Youth Championship, hosted by Lauderdale Yacht Club. Six fleets battled it out over three days of shifting conditions—ranging from light and lumpy to the classic Lauderdale breeze that filled in on the final afternoon.
More than just national titles were on the line: the top eligible team in each Youth Worlds class earned selection to represent the United States at the 2025 World Sailing Youth World Championships in Portugal this December, while the top half of each fleet received automatic invitations to the U.S. Sailing Youth National Team Thanksgiving Camp this November.
“On behalf of US Sailing, I want to thank the Lauderdale Yacht Club for hosting the 2025 U.S. Youth Championship” said John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Racing Director. “The club’s leadership, staff, sponsors and volunteers were exceptional. I also want to thank the race officials and judges for their hard work, persistence, and dedication to this important championship.”
Day one tested everyone’s patience as storms and glassy seas kept the fleets ashore despite multiple attempts to start racing. But sailors were ready when conditions finally cooperated. On day two, the race committee sent the fleets out early in hopes of capitalizing on morning breeze—though it wasn’t until midday that racing got underway. Those who stayed sharp in the unpredictable shifts came out ahead heading into the final day.
Monday delivered the racing everyone had been waiting for, with solid Lauderdale wind closing out the championship in style.
29er for the Trevor Moore Trophy
- Kevin Carson & Hollan Vierling (Youth Worlds Qualified)
- Annie Sitzmann & Anton Schmid
- Braden Ozarski & Bennett Simpson
Top female team: Sophie & Matilda Neimann (Youth Worlds Qualified)
iQFOiL for the Major Hall Trophy
- Garrett January (Youth Worlds Qualified)
- Makani Andrews
- Graceanne Dixon (Top female, Youth Worlds Qualified)
I420 for the Manton D. Scott Memorial Trophy
- Elizabeth Xydas & Alexandra Kolaya (Top Female Team, Youth Worlds Qualified)
- Harrison Gandy & JP Panebianco (Youth Worlds Qualified)
- Wills Gandy & Reid Smith
ILCA 6 for the Robert and Ann Conner Trophy
- David Coates (Youth Worlds Qualified)
- Jake Homberger
- Nathan Pine
- James Pine
- John Hartney
Top Female: Arabella Duer
ILCA 6 Youth Worlds Qualified: Louise Martin
Nacra 15 for the Arthur D. Stephens Trophy
- Dylan Tomko & Casey Smalls (Youth Worlds Qualified)
- Orlando Botha & Sara Shumanis
- Isabel Veiga & Benjamin White
ILCA 7 for the Robert L. Johnstone Trophy
- Will Rucker
- Beck Brill
- Chris Draper
Special Awards:
Rookie of the Year Awards:
- David Coates – Smythe Trophy (top singlehanded sailor at their 1st Youth Champs)
- Wills Gandy & Reid Smith – Bemis Trophy (top doublehanded team at their 1st Youth Champs)
Dave Perry Sportsmanship Award:
- 29er: Maggie Tripp
- ILCA 6: Nayla Navarette
- ILCA 7: Christopher Draper
- I420: Harmon Csaszar
- Nacra 15: Orlando Botha
- IQFOiL: Aris Patel
The 2025 U.S. Youth Championship once again showcased the depth of emerging American sailing talent and the camaraderie that defines the sport. From early morning starts to light-air challenges and photo-finish podiums, these young sailors demonstrated grit, teamwork, and passion—setting the stage for international competition ahead.