The Youth Nautical Education Foundation (YNEF) is proud to have supported one of its sailors in competing at the 2024 Youth Match Race World Championship, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Hosted at the beautiful Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, the event featured 12 teams from 10 countries, racing in Fareast28Rs—sporty, high-performance keelboats designed for intense competition.
Representing the team as jib trimmer and communications assistant, the sailor contributed to an impressive performance led by skipper Justin Callahan. The team faced challenging yet exhilarating conditions on the Red Sea, with clear skies, steady winds ranging from 10 to 20 knots daily, and rolling waves that added to the excitement.
After finishing 3rd in the round robin, the team entered the quarterfinals with confidence. However, a hard-fought match against Team New Zealand resulted in a narrow loss, securing the team a respectable 5th-place finish.
The championship was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, providing invaluable lessons and the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best young sailors. YNEF is proud to have been part of this journey and thanks all supporters for helping make this incredible opportunity possible.
Photos and a short video from the event are attached to showcase highlights from this unforgettable adventure.