Silver for Saunders in World U21s, Viana do Castelo, Portugal

The 2024 ILCA Under-21 World Championship concluded in thrilling fashion with Evie Saunders (ASPT Bronze/NSWIS) overtaking her Dutch rival in the final day to clinch silver behind Ireland’s Eve McMahon.

Evie Saunders at Under 21 World Championships CREDIT Prow Media 

It what was an intense week of sailing in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The final day was in lighter conditions than the sailors had experienced in the earlier stages of the regatta. A real test of both endurance and skills for the sailors. Annie Eastgate, ILCA 6 AS Pathways Team coach for the regatta, stated, ‘Her performance was a culmination of a lot of hard work and good preparation. She had the confidence to execute when it mattered most’. This event capped off Evie's stellar European season which also included a 7th place finish at Kieler Woche.

Australia was well represented at the event and while Saunders performance was a standout Australia performed well overall, only surpassed by Italy from a nation perspective. In the men’s U21 event, Isaac Schotte led the charge finishing 8^th in the 155-boat fleet. With 4 athletes placing in the top 25 in the men’s regatta and 2 in the women’s with Frances Bebe securing 22^nd, the legacy of successful ILCA sailing in Australia continues to look strong.

AUS Results U21 World Championships – HP Program Athletes

Women’s
Evie Saunders (AUS/NSWIS) – 2nd
Frances Bebe (AUS/QAS) – 22nd
Ellen Sampson (AUS/SASI) – 40^th 
Lili McAulley (AUS/WAIS) – 42^nd 

Men’s 
Isaac Schotte (AUS/QAS) – 8^th 
Edward Reid (AUS/TIS) – 12^th 
Jack Eickemeyer (AUS/VIS) – 13^th 
Lawson McAullay (AUS/WAIS) – 25^th 
Tom Holmes (AUS/VIS) – 62^nd 
Max Sturman (AUS/SASI) – 112^th

Others 
Lachie Weber (AUS) – 41^st
Julian Taylor (Pre-Emerging/AUS) – 64^th 
Myles Wilson (Pre-emerging/AUS) – 101^st  

Event Results - https://vilamourasailing.sailti.com/en/default/races/race-resultsall/text/2024ILCAU21WC-en/menuaction/race

Event Photos - https://ilca.smugmug.com/2024-ILCA-Worlds/2024-ILCA-U21-Worlds-Viana-do-Castelo-POR