Thrilling KGroup National Sailing Championships in Calliaqua Bay Powered by World Sailing Seminar
by SVG Sailing Association 30 Aug 20:24 BST
29 August 2026
Thrilling KGroup National Sailing Championships in Calliaqua Bay © Fedel Mansour
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA) delivered an unforgettable KGroup National Youth Championships 2026, where young sailors battled through seven nail biting races in perfect conditions at Calliaqua Bay.
The regatta featured three competitive classes — Optimist, ILCA 4, and ILCA 6 — with results decided by the narrowest of margins, keeping spectators and competitors on edge until the final race.
SVG Sailing National Champions 2026
- Optimist Class: 12 year old Nigel Tash held his nerve in a tense final race, edging out rivals with consistent boat handling.
- ILCA 4 Class: 14 year old Jordi Lewis showed tactical brilliance, fighting back from mid fleet positions to secure victory.
- ILCA 6 Class: 15 year old Kai Marks Dasent sealed his win in dramatic fashion, crossing the line just seconds ahead in the deciding race.
The atmosphere was electric, with close finishes and tactical duels that showcased the rising talent of SVG's youth sailors.
Support from World Sailing Seminar
The championships were strengthened by the World Sailing Judge Seminar, conducted days earlier by international trainer Chris Watts. The two day course equipped sailors and officials with advanced knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and the protest process, ensuring fair competition and giving athletes the confidence to race at their best.
Voices from the Champions
- Nigel Tash: "Winning the Optimist class feels amazing. The races were so close, and the seminar helped me stay calm and focused when it mattered most."
- Jordi Lewis: "The competition was tough, but I enjoyed every moment. Understanding the protest process gave me confidence to race fairly and push harder."
- Kai Marks Dasent: "It came down to the last race, and I'm proud to come out on top. The seminar showed us how international racing works, and now I feel ready to take my sailing further."
SVGSA President Jenny Trumble commented:
"The National Championships were a thrilling display of skill and determination. With the support of the World Sailing Judge Seminar, our sailors and officials are now better prepared for the challenges of international competition. We would like to thank our sponsors, KGroup, Kestrel Shipping, CG United Insurance, SG DeFreitus, and Island Sipz."