European sailors delivered outstanding performances at the 2025 ILCA 6 Youth World Championships in Los Angeles, securing three of the four world titles and an impressive 10 of the 12 total podium spots across all divisions.
Greece’s Hermione Ghicas GRE led the charge on the girls’ side, claiming the Girls Overall World Championship title. The reigning 2025 ILCA 6 Youth European Champion proved once again she is a force to be reckoned with, showing consistency and speed throughout the week. Ghicas finished with 32 points over 12 races, including three race wins and four second-place finishes. Her victory not only reaffirmed her European title but also marked her as one of the most dominant youth sailors globally.
Alina Shapovalova UKR took the Silver medal, finishing just 16 points behind Ghicas. The 2024 ILCA 6 Youth European Champion showed impressive form throughout the week, matching pace with the front of the fleet and sailing with sharp consistency. Her second-place finish confirms her as one of the brightest young talents in European sailing.
Feline Van Ede NED completed the podium with third place, also showing exceptional form by leading the fleet from Day 2 to Day 4. The Dutch sailor demonstrated race-winning potential and excellent composure in high-pressure conditions.
With all three Girls Overall medals going to European sailors, the continent swept the podium and demonstrated the strength and depth of its female youth sailing program on the world stage.
Final Top 10 – Girls Overall
- Hermione Ghicas GRE – 32 pt
- Alina Shapovalova UKR – 48 pt
- Feline Van Ede NED – 52 pt
- Valentina Araujo BRA – 76.6 pt
- Rebecca Mantel ISR – 82 pt
- Sienna Wright IRL – 82 pt
- Hanna Rogowska POL 89 pt
- Gaya Datiashvili ISR – 96 pt
- Marion Grace Montgomery THA – 103 pt
- Ainhoa Gomez Barnuevo ESP – 105 pt
In the Girls Under 17 division, Switzerland’s Camille Vallotton SUI took Silver, finishing 16th overall and showing remarkable consistency among older competitors. Poland’s Lena Adamska POL earned the Bronze, placing 25th overall and maintaining her spot on the U17 podium in a competitive international field. The Gold medal was claimed by Chloe Turner NZL from New Zealand.
Final Top 5 – Girls Under 17
- Chloe Turner NZL – 133 pt
- Camille Vallotton SUI – 147 pt
- Lena Adamska POL – 197 pt
- Marina Wardlaw USA – 233 pt
- Mafalda Teixeira POR – 233 pt
Italy’s Alessandro Cirinei NED followed with an equally impressive performance in the Boys Overall fleet, adding the World Champion title to his 2025 ILCA 6 Men’s World title won earlier this year in Kiel. His early lead, built on a commanding qualifying series (14-1-4-1-1-3), gave him the cushion he needed despite a more difficult final series (9-13-29-2-32-15). Cirinei closed the event with 92 points, securing gold for Italy and further proving the strength of European youth sailing.
Josip Tafra CRO claimed the Silver medal with a strong and consistent performance throughout the championship. Tafra’s final day was mixed with results of 22 and 44 points, but he maintained second overall with 113 points, solidifying Croatia’s position on the podium.
Joaquin Galvan ARG took Bronze and was the only non-European on a podium dominated by European excellence.
Final Top 10 – Boys Overall
- Alessandro Cirinei ITA – 92 pt
- Josip Tafra CRO – 113 pt
- Joaquin Galvan ARG – 127 pt
- Nicolo Cassitta ITA – 139 pt
- Alexandros Kyfidis GRE – 139 pt
- Alexander Hartsink NED – 140 pt
- Erotokritos Komianos GRE – 145.3 pt
- Jiri Tomes CZE – 148 pt
- Benedek Héder HUN – 152 pt
- Tim Lubat ESP – 155 pt
The Boys Under 17 fleet saw a clean sweep by Europe: Gold went to Alexander Hartsink NED, who finished an exceptional 6th overall in the combined fleet. Silver was claimed by Erotokritos Komianos GRE, also inside the overall top 10 at 7th place. Bronze went to Jiri Tomes CZE, who completed the U17 podium and placed 8th overall.
Final Top 5 – Boys Under 17
- Alexander Hartsink NED – 140 pt
- Erotokritos Komianos GRE – 145.3 pt
- Jiri Tomes CZE 136 pt – 148 pt
- Claudio Crocco ITA – 175.3 pt
- Stefano Siebert Francavilla BRA – 251 pt
This outstanding showing highlights Europe’s continued strength and depth in youth ILCA 6 sailing, underscoring the region’s role as a powerhouse on the global stage.
Hosted by Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, the championship featured challenging conditions, from light and unstable winds to full hiking breeze, providing a complete test of skill and endurance. The event concluded on a high note, with smiling sailors and strong European representation on every podium.
Congratulations to all participants — the future of European sailing is bright.
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Photos by Simone Staff – ILCA.
