On the last day of the competition, sailors were “blessed” by persistent Lithuanian rain, but the sailing conditions were favorable: 7–8 m/s wind allowed the decisive races to be smoothly conducted – a dramatic “470” class battle for medals and the final “420” boat races.
More than 400 young sailors from around the world competed in the week-long championship – from European countries to Singapore, New Zealand, the USA, and Brazil. The judging was done by top-category, world-class judges, and throughout the six race days, athletes’ results were recorded by live tracking equipment installed on the boats – GPS trackers.
“470” class: decisive race for medals and U21 winners
The Olympic two-person “470” yacht is a platform of the highest skill level, where from this Olympic cycle, mixed crews (Mix) compete. Here, the battle required not only perfect boat handling but also impeccable tactics.
On the last day, the top 10 crews entered the decisive battle – the Medal race, where points earned were doubled, so the tension lasted until the last meter of the course.
In the overall standings, the European champions were the Italians Lisa Vucetti and Vittorio Bonifacio, who led the entire championship. They also won gold medals in the U21 age category. The talented Italian duo secured the European youth champion title just a week after becoming world youth champions.
The European 420 and 470 yacht class youth championship ended in Nida
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“We feel wonderful! The week was very tough, but we managed to maintain the leaders’ positions until the very end. We are incredibly happy,” said L. Vucetti with joy.
Silver medals were won by Ukrainians Sviatoslav Madonich and Yelyzaveta Vasylenko. They were also awarded U21 runner-up medals.
“We are especially happy that we can raise our country’s flag on the podium at this important time for Ukraine. Now this is our job – being here in Europe, to raise the Ukrainian flag as high as possible,” said the Ukrainian crew helmsman S. Madonich.
Bronze medals from Nida go to Germans Amelie Wehrle and Riccardo Honold.
The Lithuanian crew represented by Beno Šapkin and Augustė Žukauskaitė gained invaluable experience among the world’s top sailors in this Olympic class championship.
“This was one of the most important championships of my life. I saw how the best athletes in the world sail and realized how much more I have to learn. I think what we experienced is very valuable for improvement,” said B. Šapkin. His partner A. Žukauskaitė added that now the most important thing is to train more and trust themselves more.
“420” class: distinguished by mass participation and youth
The “420” yacht class, notable for its exceptional mass participation, is considered the main “forge” on the way to professional sailing. Sailors competed here divided into Open and youth (U17) groups, and after qualification – into Gold and Silver fleets. Strong Greek crews stood out in both fleets, taking the main medals.
The European 420 and 470 yacht class youth championship started in Nida
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“420 Open” and Women’s standings
The European champion title was won by the mixed Greek crew Jason Panagopoulos and Fevronia Bouzana. Having endured the second tough regatta in a row, the Greeks said they now most want to return home quickly and celebrate the victory with their families.
The Greek flag also adorned the Women’s standings, with European champions Athina Soulioti and Danae Miranda Angelopoulo.
In the Open group, Lithuania was represented by the crew of Asta Aperavičiūtė and Marius Timofejevas, who showed good starts.
“This competition was like one big, tough training for us – we learned a lot. We feel more stable and safer on the boat, and we ourselves see improvement. There were races where we managed to start well, gained experience, so in other competitions we will be able to show even better results,” said seventeen-year-old helmswoman A. Aperavičiūtė.
“420 U17” group
In the Gold fleet of the youngest crews, a fierce battle took place for third place, dominated by representatives from Greece and Spain.
The U17 European champions were the crew from Greece Maria Anna Makri and Veselina Troshku. The girls from Athens also won the Women’s standings champion title.
“The conditions in Nida seemed difficult to us: the water was cold, the wind constantly shifted, and the competitors were very strong and all fought for medals,” M. A. Makri openly said after the last races.
After the decisive finishes, sailors returned to shore, where the sporting battles were replaced by joy, tears, and hugs. Despite the cool weather, the youth had time to enjoy the views of Neringa’s nature, food, and safety.
The event organizers and international judges unanimously recognized that Nida is perfectly suited for top-level sailing events, and the Curonian Lagoon is unpredictable, making it a very interesting water area for sailors.
