LET’S LOOK BACK ON THE 2025 O’PEN SKIFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

After France and Italy, Japan was the host country this year. For many years, the Japanese national team has participated in major international events, most often held in Europe, far away. This year, the center of the world moved eastward, at the heart of Japan. This also brought the event closer to the Far Eastern teams, which turned out in large numbers: New Zealand, Australia, India, and Thailand. Also noteworthy was a strong American delegation and a Canadian competitor. Three European teams made the long trip: Italy, France, and Poland.

In total, 93 racers (60 U17 and 33 U13) from 10 countries were present in Nishinomiya, a great number considering the distance from Europe! 

A warm welcome, a very strong opening ceremony and amazing weather conditions: Perfect start in Nishinomiya!  

The event was launched with a beautiful opening ceremony that began with the traditional procession accompanied by a local brass band. It was followed by a short religious celebration in a magnificent temple, some official speeches, and beautiful performances from young dancers. A very emotional experience that will remain etched in the memories of all the young riders! 

After the rain, the good and very hot weather and the associated thermal breeze provided the racers with the best possible conditions for this first day of racing. The wind gradually increased to 15-18 knots. Three races were completed for the U17 and only two for the U13, given the strong wind and heavy sea conditions. 

Youth on Fire

In the U17 category, the racers from the Far Eastern teams set the pace from the start. Australian Kaison Puls took the lead with two first-place finishes. He was followed by American Lucas Doran, New Zealander Valentina Gladialas, and Australian Billie McCracken.  

In the U13 category, Polish Aleksander Grygołowicz won, ahead of Japanese Koa Marsden and then Polish Franciszek. The results were much closer than in the U17 category, and no clear leader emerged in the younger category. 

Best Conditions and Japanese Courtesy

Throughout the competition, beautiful weather and the accompanying thermal breezes settled over Nishinomiya. Halfway through, eight races had been completed for the U13s and nine for the U17s, allowing for the first “discards” to be applied and shaking up the standings from the early days. 

For the conditions, here was the pattern: the morning races kicked off in a light breeze that gradually built to 15-17 knots by 3 PM. With competitors now fully adapted to the technical conditions of Nishinomiya Bay, significant changes in the rankings took place.  

In the U13 category, French sailor Louis Letourneur was on a roll after having missed his first regatta. He delivered impressive finishes, securing at least one first place each day, and the first discard, which eliminated his worst result, propelled him to the top of the category standings.

He was closely followed by Japanese sailor Koa Marsden, with New Zealander Summer Torbet trailing behind. 

In the U17 category, Australian Kaison Puls already seemed untouchable, soaring ahead in the overall standings with a comfortable lead over his competitors.

However, the second discard shook up the rest of the podium with Italian Riccardo Dati in second place and Japanese sailor Toshitada Higaki, just two points behind. 

Despite the competition, a friendly atmosphere developed on and off the water. The traditional Japanese courtesy seemed to have fostered a calm spirit, despite the intense heat prevailing over the archipelago and the stakes of a World Championship.

Everything was perfectly in line with the O’pen Skiff spirit! 

Watch the Following  Recap Videos:

The 2025 O’pen Skiff World Championship wrapped up just as it began: under the same ideal weather that allowed for 14 races for the U13s and 15 races for the U17s over the five days of competition. A complete success for this fantastic edition, crowning two World Champions from France and Australia, each of whom dominated their respective categories.  

This year, it was French sailor Louis Letourneur (U13) and Australian Kayson Puls (U17) who truly shone!

They both showcased their skills, maintaining their lead throughout the week of racing. While the winners seemed almost assured of their victories by the fourth day, other contenders had to fight hard to secure their podium spots, with some making impressive comebacks on the challenging waters of Nishinomiya Bay.  

In the U13 category, French sailor Louis Letourneur was followed by Japanese competitor Koa Marsden, and the third place was taken by the top girl, New Zealander Summer Torbet, who delivered an excellent performance.

In the U17 category, Australian Kaison Puls was followed by Japanese sailors Yamato Hayashida and Toshitada Higaki.

Bravo! 

The friendly atmosphere that developed from the start of the competition never wavered. The camaraderie among the sailors, coaches, and parents remained strong, and everyone appreciated the professionalism of the race committee and the overall serenity of the event. 

All the sailors, parents, and coaches will cherish the wonderful memories of this exceptional week in Nishinomiya. During the awards ceremony held in front of the club’s beach, everyone was eager to reunite at the upcoming European Championships, which will take place in Barcelona from October 24 to 31.

See you there!