Balearic sailing enters the final stretch of the World Sailing Youth World Championship

The World Sailing Youth World Championships, which got underway on December 15th and will conclude tomorrow, Friday December 19th, have brought together more than 400 sailors competing across eleven classes. Among them, notable Balearic representatives include Susana Bestard and Tim Lubat, both from the Real Club Náutico de Palma, as well as Martina Gomila and Neus Fernández from Club Nàutic s’Arenal.

Balearic sailing has made a strong start at the 2025 Youth World Championships, currently taking place in Vilamoura (Portugal), one of the most important international events in grassroots sailing. After the opening days of competition, Balearic sailors remain well placed in the overall standings, confirming the high level of the archipelago’s youth sailing scene.

In the women’s 420 class, Mallorcan sailors Martina Gomila and Neus Fernández, both from Club Nàutic s’Arenal and reigning world champions, are currently fifth overall after a solid start in a highly competitive fleet. The cousins, who have already stood atop both world and European podiums this season, approach the championship with confidence but also with a clear mindset: to enjoy the experience and the journey they have shared together.

“We’ll try to win if possible, but whatever happens, we’re very happy with these past two seasons,” the sailors explain, highlighting their strong teamwork on board and their ability to support each other in difficult moments, something built on a personal and sporting relationship that dates back to childhood.

In this regard, Gomila stresses the importance of mutual trust and the work carried out throughout the season in order to face a championship of this level. “We’ve been preparing for this World Championship for many months and we arrive calm, with the feeling that we’ve done things right. We know the level is very high, but we’re focused on sailing well, making good decisions, and enjoying every race,” the Mallorcan sailor explains.

Fernández, for her part, emphasizes the experience of competing in an event that brings together the best young sailors in the world. “This championship is very special, not only because of the racing, but because of everything that happens off the water. Sharing the racecourse with sailors from so many countries helps you grow a lot and motivates you to keep improving,” she says, highlighting continuous learning as one of the Youth Worlds’ greatest values.

Meanwhile, in the men’s ILCA 6 class, Balearic sailor Tim Lubat, from the Real Club Náutico de Palma, sits 13th overall after the opening races. In a particularly demanding class, with a fleet led by top international names, Lubat remains in contention with opportunities to climb the rankings as the championship progresses, which includes a total of nine races. Susana Bestard, from the same club, is currently 16th in the women’s 29er class alongside her teammate, Canary Islands sailor Inés Martín-Urda.

The Youth World Championships bring together more than 400 sailors from up to 70 countries across eleven different classes, following a format that mirrors Olympic competition. Spain is competing with a broad and ambitious team, within which Balearic representation once again plays a prominent role, contributing both talent and consistency.

The changing conditions in Vilamoura, with days of strong winds followed by much lighter conditions and constant shifts, are testing the adaptability of the young athletes. In this context, Gomila and Fernández, as well as Lubat and Bestard, have shown solidity and competitive maturity.

With several races still to be sailed, the Balearic youth fleet heads into the final stretch of the championship with optimism, experience, and the goal of continuing to post strong results at one of the most important events on the international youth sailing calendar.