The 2025 Zhik Youth Sail NT event delivered fantastic Dry Season weather and steady breezes, setting the perfect stage for a big week of sailing in the Top End. 

The ILCA fleet kicked things off with three days of coaching, navigating strong morning winds that kept sailors sharp and coaches pushing limits. The Minnow fleet took part in a two-day clinic, designed to prepare them for the upcoming Minnow Nationals, while Green Fleet sailors participated in a one-day session focused on confidence building and fun. 

The coaching format proved effective with energy and enthusiasm running high as the regatta began. A special thanks to our coaches  Conrad, Damon, James & Aden for their guidance and support. 

While a few sailors were sidelined due to minor injuries from strong breezes, they were committed and keen to stay involved so jumped in to volunteer instead.

For the first time in Youth Sail NT history, the Open Divisions outnumbered Green Fleet - a clear sign of growth and development in the NT’s youth sailing scene. It was also exciting to see so many past Youth Sail sailors that have transitioned into boat ownership and regular sailing. The word of our weather and sailing conditions got around as we welcomed four interstate sailors to the regatta this year.

Across the week, 30 sailors competed across four fleets and two courses. As the event progressed, the breeze began to ease however most fleets were unable to make the full eight races as a result. In the downtime, beach cricket turned out to be a great way to kill the time as we waited for the wind whilst racing was postponed ashore.

Day 1 saw tight competition with clear fleet leaders and hotly contested second and third positions. Lighter winds on Day 2 made for closer racing and saw new challengers shake up the leaderboard, proving that nothing is ever certain with sailing.

A huge thank you goes to the incredible volunteers, instructors and parents whose hard work and commitment made the event a success, especially in tricky conditions. Your support continues to shape a thriving future for youth sailing in the NT.

Here are the results for the NT Youth Championships: 

ILCA 6

1. William McGrath

2. Tydelle Bleakley

3. Kira Lesh

ILCA 4

1. Tiger Batenburg

2. Jeremy Atwell

3. Liam Hall

Open Minnow

1. Leo Batenburg

2. Josef Ansell

3. Willem Smith

Novice Minnow

1. Keira Hall

2. John Bush

3. Amelia Johnson

Green Fleet

1. Ellie Moss

2. William Jagger

3. Elanor Hallett

For full results from the 2025 Zhik Youth Sail NT event, click here.