Parade of Nations Opens 2026 ILCA 4 Youth Worlds in Aarhus
by ILCA Class Association 3 Aug 23:08 BST
1-9 August 2026
Parade of Nations Opens the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth Worlds in Aarhus, Denmark © Peter Brogger
A festive Parade of Nations along the Aarhus waterfront today officially marked the opening of the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth World Championship. Led by a marching band, all sailors paraded together while national flags from around the world waved in the breeze.
Back at the Aarhus International Sailing Center, finger food and soft drinks were served before the sailors gathered outside to relax and socialise in the evening sunshine. The day ended with a fantastic atmosphere, plenty of smiles and excited sailors looking forward to the racing ahead.
Earlier in the day, registration of all 150 girls and 298 boys, along with equipment inspection, was completed well ahead of the Practice Race. It provided an excellent opportunity for both sailors and the race management team to test the racing conditions, including the autonomous robotic buoys being used as race marks on the two competition courses. Around 100 boats took part in the Practice Race, sailed on two courses in light wind conditions.
The day also included a meeting for coaches and team leaders, giving them the opportunity to meet the Organising Committee and ask questions about both logistics and racing.
Tomorrow, the championship gets underway with the opening races of the Qualifying Series across all six fleets on two race courses. The girls compete in two fleets, while the boys are divided into four fleets.
We wish all sailors the very best of luck in their first races and hope they enjoy being out on the water just as much as they have enjoyed the first few days ashore. The forecast predicts moderate easterly to south-easterly winds, which could bring some waves to the Bay of Aarhus.
Championship Schedule:
- 1 August - Registration and Equipment Inspection
- 2 August - Registration and Equipment Inspection
- 3 August - Registration and Equipment Inspection, Practice Race, Coaches' & Team Leaders' Meeting, Opening Ceremony
- 4-6 August - Qualifying Series (two back-to-back races daily)
- 7 August - Qualifying Series / Final Series (if a minimum of four qualifying races have been completed)
- 8 August - Final Series (two back-to-back races)
- 9 August - Final Series (two back-to-back races), Prize Giving Ceremony
For further information you can visit the event website, 2026ilca4youth.ilca-worlds.org