European sailors once again proved their strength on the world stage at the 2026 ILCA 6 Youth World Championship in Aarhus, with gold and silver in the women’s fleet and eight of the top 10 sailors coming from Europe. In the men’s fleet, European sailors took silver and bronze, with nine of the top 10 overall.
Greece’s Hermione Ghicas capped a dominant week by winning the women’s world title, backing up her recent ILCA 6 Youth European Championship win in Thessaloniki with the world crown in Aarhus.
“I felt very comfortable on the boat with this wind and I’m very happy I managed to be strong both mentally, physically and tactically on the water,” said Ghicas.
Ireland’s Sienna Wright completed the European one-two, finishing as world silver medallist, with New Zealand’s Chloe Turner the only non-European sailor to break into the top three.
In the men’s fleet, Spain’s Nikko Palou and Italy’s Lorenzo Ghirotti secured silver and bronze behind Brazil’s Erik Scheidt, who took the world title. Palou also finished as the top U17 sailor in the men’s fleet.
Reigning ILCA 6 Youth European Champion Jiri Tomes of the Czech Republic had a tougher week by comparison, finishing 10th overall and third among U17 sailors.
In the women’s fleet, Turkey’s Derin Bartan was the top-placed U17 sailor, finishing 10th overall.
The results extend another strong championship for European youth sailing, following on from a similarly dominant showing at the ILCA 4 Youth World Championship earlier this month in Aarhus.
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Source and photos via ILCA / Aarhus Sailing Center.