Competitors have begun to arrive from around Australia and the world for the largest ever Australian Youth Championships at Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) in Melbourne.

230 boats will start racing tomorrow for what will be an exciting regatta with a wide range of conditions forecast from all wind directions.  Smoke haze from the bushfires is forecasted for some days but is not expected to impact racing.

There is lots at stake this regatta for Australia’s rising talent with this event counting towards Australian Youth Team selection.  An increase in competitor age limit from 19 to 23 has contributed to the record number of entries, however qualifying age for the Australian Youth Team remains at 19.

A large number of international competitors will be attending the regatta with 38 entries from overseas countries including Japan, France, New Zealand, Fiji, Great Britain, New Caledonia and Singapore.

Graham Cunningham, SSCBC Commodore was delighted to see the wide range of competitors attending, “The first family I welcomed to the club had travelled all the way from Far North Queensland via Robe (SA) then Sandringham (VIC) for this event.  We look forward to welcoming sailors from far and wide and we know Sorrento will make the trip worth their while.”

The event will include the Australian Sailing Youth Championships Bushfire Fundraiser with prizes including an Australian Sailing Team training experience, Australia Sail GP Team event package, a Couta Boat and dinner package from SSCBC and gear from Zhik and Ronstan.

Follow all of Australian Youth Championship action online at www.sailingyouth.org.au and via the socials for the latest interviews, images, videos and racing updates @AustSailYouth on Facebook and Instagram