At Zhik, we believe the future of sailing starts at the grassroots. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Australian Sailing in delivering the Zhik Youth Sail Series, a nationwide program that combines elite coaching with competitive regattas, building pathways for the next generation of champions.
From new junior sailors taking part in their first races through to sailors chasing Youth Worlds selection, the Youth Sail Series is more than a sailing regatta, it’s a community, a classroom, and a launchpad for lifelong sailing success.
Why the Youth Sail Series Matters
Each Youth Sail event blends two vital elements:
- Coaching Clinics led by some of the nation’s top youth and Olympic-level coaches.
- State Youth Championships where sailors put new skills to the test in competitive racing.
This format allows young sailors to develop their skills and technique, build resilience, and foster friendships that extend well beyond the water. Parents, volunteers, and clubs also play a crucial role, creating the strong community foundation every sailor needs.
The National Series
The 2025 series began in Darwin, where 30 sailors competed across four fleets in breezy Dry Season conditions. For the first time, Open Divisions outnumbered Green Fleet, a clear sign of sailing’s growth in the Territory.
That momentum now continues nationwide. From Yeppoon in Northern Queensland to Sandy Bay in Tasmania, each stop offers its own highlights, but the purpose remains the same: to provide youth sailors the opportunity to build skills, confidence, and connections.
The 2025 Zhik Youth Sail Series includes:
- Queensland (Sept 22–27, Keppel Bay Sailing Club) – Coaching, championships, and Green Fleet racing at Causeway Lake.
- South Australia (Sept 27–30, Adelaide Sailing Club) – Olympian Olivia Price joins as guest speaker, alongside Youth Worlds selection opportunities.
- New South Wales (Oct 1–6, Toronto Sailing Club) – The state’s largest youth sailing festival, with Olympic guests and international pathways.
- Western Australia (Sept 27–Oct 2, Nedlands Yacht Club) – Coaching supported by Performance Pathway coaches, plus guest talks from Olympians Zoe Thomson and Nia Jerwood.
- Tasmania (Oct 9–12, Sandy Bay Sailing Club) – A two-day coaching camp and two-day Youth Championship, with keelboat experiences and sessions on nutrition and performance.
Pathways Beyond Youth Sail
For ambitious sailors, the pathway doesn’t end at Youth Sail. The Zhik Ascender Program is part of our broader commitment to supporting up and coming youth talent who are showcasing Zhik values and performance from a young age. It offers access to gear testing, feedback opportunities, and the chance to be part of a performance-driven community trusted by Olympic and World Champion athletes like Tom Slingsby, Marit Bouwmeester, and Peter Burling.
Youth Range Gear
It’s not only about the elite few. Every young sailor deserves equipment that helps them progress with confidence. That’s why our youth range brings the same innovations trusted by Olympians to junior classes, with tailored cuts, advanced fabrics, and details designed to deliver performance, comfort, and freedom on the water.
Looking Ahead
Zhik was born in dinghy sailing, and our future depends on the sailors who will carry the sport forward. By supporting Youth Sail, we’re investing not only in today’s regattas but in the champions and communities of tomorrow.
We wish every sailor, parent, and volunteer safe travels and great racing as the 2025 Zhik Youth Sail series continues across Australia.
