2025 ILCA Under-21 European Titles Decided
A fleet of the world’s most promising young sailors — representing over 35 nations — delivered a masterclass in determination, boat-handling, and strategy across the ILCA 6 (Women’s) and ILCA 7 (Men’s) fleets. Twelve scheduled races for the gold groups, 11 for the ILCA 7 Silver fleet, and a final day that could not have been scripted better — this was youth sailing at its finest.
Under golden Adriatic skies, with a breeze of 10 to 14 knots filling across the bay, the final two races brought the week to a spectacular close. As the gun fired for the last time, titles were still up for grabs, the points razor-thin, and the margins measured in seconds rather than meters.
When the spray settled, Ginevra Caracciolo (ITA) and Erik Norlén (SWE) stood atop the podium as the 2025 ILCA Under-21 European Champions — both showing nerves of steel and the kind of form that hints at future Olympic glory.
Italy Dominates the ILCA 6 Women’s Fleet
ILCA 6
Women’s division, confirming Italy’s status as the powerhouse of European dinghy sailing.
Gold — Ginevra Caracciolo (ITA) — 69 pts
Silver — Maria Vittoria Arseni (ITA) — 76 pts
Bronze — Emma Mattivi (ITA) — 104 pts
Caracciolo’s campaign was a model of consistency — smooth starts, surgical mark roundings, and an almost unflappable composure under pressure. Her mastery of the variable conditions around Split Bay earned her not just the European Championship title, but also victory in the Open European Trophy, edging out American sailor Isabella Mendoza Cabezas (USA), who placed a strong third overall in the Open standings.
“Each race tested something different — from light-air patience to heavy-air endurance,” Caracciolo said after coming ashore. “To win here, you had to adapt instantly. I’m so proud of the whole Italian team — we pushed each other every single day.”
Behind her, Arseni and Mattivi traded punches throughout the week, both scoring podium finishes that underline Italy’s depth in the next generation of Olympic-class sailors.
Sweden’s Norlén Holds His Nerve in the ILCA 7
ILCA 7 U21 fleet,
the final day was a tactical chess match in motion. Erik Norlén (SWE), who had led overnight, showed remarkable calm under mounting pressure to seal gold with 45 points after 12 races.
Gold — Erik Norlén (SWE) — 45 pts
Silver — Ole Schweckendiek (GER) — 56 pts
Bronze — Rem Pulci Magen (ISR) — 62 pts
Norlén’s performance showcased textbook upwind control and downwind confidence — the combination every ILCA sailor dreams of. “It’s been a long week with every kind of condition you can imagine,” he said. “I just tried to stay smart and keep the boat moving fast. It’s an incredible feeling to win here in Split.”
Behind him, Germany’s Ole Schweckendiek finished strong with a series of top-five results to claim silver, while Israel’s Rem Pulci Magen took a well-earned bronze — a result that confirms his growing reputation as one of the fleet’s rising stars.
U19 Brilliance: Greece Strikes Gold
If there was one moment that summed up the spirit of youth sailing, it came in the Under-19 ILCA 7 Championship, where Greece’s Adamantios Petrianos clinched gold in the very last race.
With the pressure on, Petrianos delivered a near-perfect final day, finishing second in the last race to overtake Spain’s Karol Krupski Teterycz by just a few points.
Under-19 ILCA 7
Gold — Adamantios Petrianos (GRE) — 119 pts
Silver — Karol Krupski Teterycz (ESP) — 130 pts
Bronze — Sergio García (ESP) — 187 pts
“It came down to the wire,” said Petrianos, still grinning on the dock. “I knew I had to keep calm and just sail my race — not think about the points. It’s amazing to bring this win home for Greece.”
Split Delivers: A Showcase of Skill and Sportsmanship
Across the six days of racing, Split delivered the full range of conditions — from gentle thermals to sharp gusts and rolling chop. Each race demanded total focus and endurance, testing both technical skill and mental resilience.
Coaches and spectators praised the level of professionalism on display, calling the event “a glimpse into the future of Olympic sailing.”
By the time the final gun fired, sailors were sunburned, exhausted, and smiling — the surest sign of a week well sailed.
A Word of Thanks — and a Glimpse Ahead
As the championship wrapped up, organizers from JK Mornar Yacht Club earned praise for their flawless management of a complex regatta featuring over 200 boats and multiple fleets.
“The energy here has been phenomenal,” said one official. “From sunrise rigging to the last finish, these young sailors showed the passion and precision that define the ILCA class. Split has once again proven it’s one of Europe’s great sailing venues.”
The 2025 ILCA Under-21 European Championships will be remembered not only for its close finishes but also for the spirit of fair play, the camaraderie between nations, and the emergence of names we’ll almost certainly see on future Olympic start lines.
As the sails come down and the boats are packed away, the Adriatic quiets once more — but for the sailors of the ILCA class, Split 2025 will forever mark a milestone in their journey from youth promise to professional greatness.