RYA Youth National Champion 2026

Bournemouth School is delighted to share that over Easter, one of our Year 12 students, Alex, claimed gold at the RYA Youth National Championships – the pinnacle of youth sailing in Great Britain.

Competing in the 420 class at Hayling Island Sailing Club, Alex crewed for helm Hugo Fletcher in a fleet of the country’s best young racing sailors. Racing in challenging and varied conditions, the team delivered a good series, taking three race wins, two second places, and winning the medal race on the final day to seal the overall youth national title.

With this result, the team qualifies for the 2026 420 World Championships in France in July, which Alex is looking forward to.

Alex’s success at the Youth Nationals caps an outstanding international career in the 420 class, having competed in three European Championships – representing Thailand in Denmark, before going on to represent Great Britain in Slovenia and Portugal. He now looks to carry that international experience to the 420 World Championships in Biscarosse, France, in July 2026.

Well done, Alex! And best wishes for the upcoming 420 World Championships in France!