Rungsted welcomes the world for the 49er and 49erFX Junior World Championship
by 49er & Nacra 17 Sailing 30 Jul 2025 11:56 BST
30 July - 3 August 2025
49er and 49erFX Junior World Championship 2025 opening ceremony © Sailing.Pics / Mogens Hansen
Today, we proudly welcome 105 teams and 210 athletes from across the globe to Rungsted for the start of the 49er and 49erFX Junior World Championship 2025.
Representing more than 24 countries, these talented young sailors have travelled far and wide — with some coming all the way from Australia — to compete in one of the most exciting events in junior sailing.
The championship was officially opened last night at 6PM with a vibrant Opening Ceremony, featuring festive food, warm welcomes, and three ceremonial cannon blasts, echoing across the harbour in celebration of youth, sport, and international friendship. On hand to greet the teams were Mayor Henrik of Rungsted, Chairwoman of Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub (KDY) Anne Sofie Munk-Hansen, and Tomas from the Organising Committee, who each extended heartfelt messages to the sailors, coaches, and supporters.
The fleets are composed of 53 49er teams, 29 FX teams, and 23 FX Open teams — a new category introduced this year to offer even more opportunity and inclusivity in the FX class.
As the proud host, KDY is honoured to bring this world-class event to Danish waters and hopes the local community will be inspired by the energy, passion, and sportsmanship of the next generation of elite sailors.
While sailors from across the globe have arrived to compete, the largest number of teams come from Germany (19 teams) and the Netherlands (12 teams), with strong representation also from Great Britain, Denmark, and Italy.
The championship kicks off today, 30th of July, with three races scheduled per day for all fleets. The final series and medal races will be held on 2 and 3 August, when we'll find out who will be crowned the next Junior World Champions.
Last year's title holders in the 49er, Richard Schultheis and Youenn Bertín, and in the 49erFX, Giulia Schio and Sofia Giunchiglia, are not returning this year, leaving the field wide open for new champions to emerge. Schio and Giunchiglia, who took the FX title in 2024, were closely followed by Katharina Schwachhofer and Elena Stoltze, who are back this year with their eyes firmly on the top of the podium. In the 49er class, 2024 bronze medallists Simon Heindl and Conrad Jacobs (GER) are also returning, aiming to improve on last year's result and claim the title — though with 53 49er teams entered, the competition will be fierce.
Throughout the week, fans can follow the action across our social media channels, where we'll be sharing daily videos, interviews, photo galleries, and more. Full articles, results, and coverage will also be available on the official event website.
We invite everyone to join us in Rungsted Havn 46. for this vibrant celebration of sailing and international camaraderie. Let the battles begin — and may the best teams rise to the top!