Young sailing talent from around the world takes the stage thanks to J/80 Worlds Youth Fund

The J/80 Worlds Youth Fund supports young sailing teams from across the globe to participate in the J/80 World Championship, taking place this July in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. The fund has been awarded to six teams in total, including the Belgian team Ketje and the British team Derision. What unites them? A shared passion for sailing, and the drive to compete internationally: something the fund has made possible.

Ketje: three years of preparation for a home World Championship

The Belgian youth team Ketje was founded three years ago with one goal: to take part in the World Championship in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. Team captain Célestin Goubau shares: “Even though we’re sailing in familiar waters, budget constraints often hold us back. The J/80 Worlds Youth Fund helps us overcome that hurdle. Thanks to the fund, we’re extra motivated to give it our all during the championship.”

The team has worked hard over the past few years to reach this moment, training in Nieuwpoort and competing in international regattas such as the Dutch Championship and Spi Ouest-France. They also spent the winter fine-tuning their boat to have it in top condition at the starting line. “There’s a bit of extra pressure since the championship is on home turf. We know these waters inside out, and we want to show that all our training hours have paid off.”

In addition to their sporting ambitions, the team sees the championship as a great opportunity to meet new people. “We hope to connect with other sailors, which may open up future chances to crew on other boats.”

Derision: from youth sailing to the world stage

A new generation of sailing talent is also emerging in the United Kingdom. Team Derision consists of four young sailors, including team captain Dominic May, who are competing together at the World Championship in Nieuwpoort. They know each other from youth classes in Lymington, where they sailed for years both against and alongside each other in the Optimist, 420 and 29er. “Our crew has competed at a high level in singlehanded classes and is now transitioning to keelboats. Thanks to the J/80 Worlds Youth Fund, we now get to compete on the world stage, and we’re absolutely thrilled.”

The biggest challenge to competing internationally? “The cost, without a doubt, is the biggest obstacle. With support from CFP Green Buildings, we’ve been able to bring our boat to Nieuwpoort and take part in the World Championship,” says Dominic. The team prepared by racing every Thursday evening. Just as important, though, is the experience itself: “Of course we want to perform well, but we mainly want to learn as much as we can for future events.”

According to Dominic, initiatives like the J/80 Worlds Youth Fund should be implemented more widely: “It helps young people stay involved in sailing at a time when they’re looking to take the next step. They are the future of competitive sailing.”

A fund with lasting impact

With the J/80 Worlds Youth Fund, CFP Green Buildings not only aims to remove barriers, but also to show how sport can connect people and cultures. The teams’ reactions clearly show how valuable that is. “This fund really helps us turn our dream into reality,” says Célestin. Dominic adds: “We’re incredibly grateful that this support allows us to take part.”

Want to experience a real sailing race for yourself? Come aboard for the annual CFP Green Buildings Regatta!