Organized by The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) since 1971, Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship is acknowledged the 3rd most prestigious sailing race after Olympic Games and Major ISAF World Championship.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) announces the notice Race for the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, the 40th anniversary edition of the championship being held in Istanbul, Turkey from 8-17 July 2010. Realized in 23 different countries so far, the championship will be held in Istanbul for the first time within the scope of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Maritime projects.

Three hundred of the world’s top sailors representing over 60 nations are expected to descend on Ataköy Marina in Istanbul this July for youth’s sailing blue ribbon event. Races will easily be followed from Ataköy marina and the Bakırköy coast.

Since its launch in 1971 the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship has gone from strength to strength, attracting ever increasing numbers of participants and nations and proving a stringboard onto the world stage for many of the sport’s greatest stars. Triple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie (GBR), three-time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts (NZL) and Volvo Ocean Race winner Stuart Bannatyne (NZL) are just three legends of the sport to have first made their mark at the Youth Worlds. The 40th anniversary edition of the Youth Worlds at Istanbul in 2010 provides the perfect stage for the next generation of sailing stars to announce their arrival.

Open to competitors younger than 19 y/o in the year of the championship (i.e. for Turkey, under 19 on 31 December 2010) in the events and equipment listed below (all supplied), the Youth Worlds occupies a unique place in the sailing calendar. Simply getting to the championship is a major achievement for most as entry is limited to one boat per nation, per event, meaning sailors first having to win through their national qualification series.

2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship Events

(Event – Equipment)

Boy’s One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial

Girl’s One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial

Boy’s Two Person Dinghy - 420

Girl’s Two Person Dinghy - 420

Boy’s Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin

Girl’s Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin

Open Multihull - Sirena SL16

Open High Performance Dinghy - 29er

Gulden Aktugan, Event Manager for the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, said, “We’re delighted to be welcoming the world’s best young sailors to Istanbul for the 40th edition of the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship. Preparations are well underway to make this a spectacular championship fitting for the Youth Worlds 40th anniversary. As the only city located on two continents and as joint European capital of culture in 2010, Istanbul is sure to provide all the competitors and coaches with a truly memorable experience.”

Helmut Czasny, ISAF Competitions Manager, explains: “The extra training day this year has been introduced in response to feedback we’ve received from the competitors and coaches who attend the championship. By giving competitors one extra day to prepare for the start of competition we can further improve the championship, increasing its appeal as not only youth sailing’s pinnacle event, but also a great tool for developing sailing worldwide.”

This special and prestigious race is expected to gain plus points for Istanbul’s candidacy for the Olympic Games in the future as the sailing takes an important part in Olympic Games. It is also worth mentioning that Istanbul and Turkey will be on top of the agenda as this race is held in 2010 –a very special year that Istanbul holds the title “European Capital of Culture”.

For detailed information:

www.isafyouthworlds.com