The vibrant Atlantic coast of Porto hosted a spectacular week of high-stakes sailing as the 29er Porto World Sailing Championship 2025 came to an exhilarating close. More than 400 young sailors, representing 26 countries and competing in 203 crews, battled intense conditions and shifting winds from August 1 to 8, showcasing the very best of youth talent in the world’s fastest-growing sailing class.
The Danish-Norwegian duo Nicklas Holt and Philip Forslund, coached by Portuguese João Prieto, emerged victorious in a thrilling finale marked by light winds and strategic resilience. With a final score of 28 points, Holt and Forslund held firm against a strong French challenge from pairs Jocelyn Le Goff / Jules Vidor (37 points) and Nolann Huet Des Aunay / Titouan Gresset (46 points).
Men’s Category:
World Champions: Nicklas Holt / Philip Forslund – Denmark/Norway
2nd place: Jocelyn Le Goff / Jules Vidor – France
3rd place: Nolann Huet Des Aunay / Titouan Gresset – France
Women’s Category:
World Champions: Antonina Puchowska / Alicja Dampc – Poland (adding to the European title won just a month ago)
2nd place: Bianca Marchesini / Lucia Finato – Italy
3rd place: Emmeli Gramkov / Sofie Andersen – Denmark
Mixed Category:
World Champions: Giulia Bartolozzi / Pietro Rizzi – Italy (also European Champions at Lake Garda last month)
2nd place: Olivia Riesgo / Martin Díaz Tamayo – Argentina
3rd place: Emilia Salvatore / Pietro Zandri – Italy
Under-17 category:
Men: Hugo Madec / Guirec Gendrot – France
Female: Bianca Marchesini / Lucia Finato – Italy
Mixed: Isabella Calzadilla / Diego Marrero Cuevas – Puerto Rico
Silver Fleet:
1st Boróka Fehér / Szonja Fehér – Hungary
2nd Victoire Papin / Tsippora Jouan – France
3rd Beerdluuk Spijkervet / Thomas Reyers – Netherlands
Bronze Fleet:
1st Julia Ewald / Sophia Westermeier – Germany
2nd Lola Gonçalves / Isa Zorzi – Brazil
3rd Jules Burnaby Lautier / Feline Vreeburg – Netherlands
Emerald Fleet:
1st Tomasz Zawadka / Gabriel Kowalik – Poland
2nd Mailin Hegge / Matilda Schneider – Germany
3rd Vitoria Viegas Lima / Bis Glashester – Brazil
Nations Cup:
Poland won the Nations Cup title, demonstrating its dominance in the various categories.
The championship unfolded across three host municipalities — Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos — with races staged between the Port of Leixões and Salgueiros Beach. Organized by BBDouro Nautical Experiences and the 29er International Class, the event transformed Douro Marina into a global sailing hub, blending fierce competition with vibrant cultural celebrations and community engagement.
Highlighting the event was a colorful parade of sailors through the historic fishing village of Afurada, the attendance of key figures including Secretary of State for Sport Pedro Dias and Portuguese Olympic Committee President Fernando Gomes, and a wide-ranging program of workshops, sustainability initiatives, and athlete forums that enriched the experience both on and off the water.
Despite challenging weather — including light and variable winds on the final days — the championship maintained a high level of competition, with thrilling shifts in rankings that kept spectators and sailors alike on the edge of their seats.
“This championship was not only about competition but about fostering the next generation of Olympic-level sailors,” said Pedro Dias, Secretary of State for Sport. “Portugal is proud to host such a prestigious event that combines sporting excellence, cultural exchange, and sustainability.”
The 29er, a 4.45-meter skiff designed as a stepping stone to Olympic classes 49er and 49er FX, once again proved its status as the cradle of future sailing stars. The championship’s success was bolstered by the visionary support of the host cities — Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos — along with key partners such as Kidzink, Musto, Águas de Gaia, Forte de Gaia | Autograph Collection Hotels, ADPL, Portuguese Sailing Federation, Sailors for the Sea, and others.
The 29er Porto World Sailing Championship 2025 leaves a lasting legacy of sportsmanship, technical skill, and international camaraderie, setting a high bar for future editions.
Text Credits: 29er Porto World Championship 2025
Photo Credits: Neuza Aires Pereira / Gonçalo Melo Reis
Video Credits: 29er Porto World Championship 2025