Fourteen of the country’s most promising young sailors have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Youth Sailing World Championships.

The talented youngsters, all aged 18 or under, will represent the British Youth Sailing (BYS) Team in nine classes at the prestigious regatta being held in Gydnia, Poland, from 13-20 July this year.

The sailors gained selection to the team for their performances in the 29er, 420, Nacra 15, Laser Radial and RS:X windsurfer at the recent RYA Youth National Championships and RS:X European Championships.

Previous Youth Worlds participants include some of today’s best known sailors including the world’s most decorated Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie and 2008 Beijing gold medallist Pippa Wilson.

Among those selected and making a first appearance at the Youth Worlds, windsurfer Finn Hawkins (Porthpean Sailing Club – pictured below) who has tasted international success when he took bronze at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is targeting another medal.

Hawkins, 16, said “I have just come back from the RS:X European championships in Palma where I confirmed my selection and I am very excited to be representing Great Britain at the Youth Worlds in Gydnia.

“This event will be a similar format to the Youth Olympic Games so I feel this has prepared me well and I hope to repeat my success, however, I know the competition will be very strong.”