A stunning celebration of friendship and togetherness officially kicked off the Youth Sailing World Championships 2024 at the Opening Ceremony in Riva del Garda.

A total of 418 sailors from 70 countries gathered at Fraglia Vela Riva, home of the Championships’ ILCA 6 racing, to celebrate every nationality and culture in attendance.

Sailors also engaged in traditions of old, each nation bringing water from their respective countries which was combined on stage in a ceremonial symbol of unison.

At the 53rd edition of the event, sailors and their coaching teams paraded around Riva Del Garda draped in flags and their country’s colours.

In their hundreds, the parade followed a band of drummers and performers, who lit up the town with the same energy and furore expected to be seen on the water next week.

Federazione Italiana Vela teamed up with schools in the area to offer a unique chance to be part of the international event through volunteering with various initiatives on offer to engage the local community.

Dozens of nations, hundreds of sailors, one unforgettable night ?

Last night’s opening ceremony was the perfect way to start the championships ?#YouthSailingWorlds pic.twitter.com/JXRPb1SrIg

— Youth World Sailing (@youthworlds) July 14, 2024

The up-and-coming sailing talents, competing across 11 sailing classes next week, were also accompanied by 160 coaches from across the globe.

Sponsors and partners were showcased at the heart of the Championships, including title sponsor Trentino and CONI, who provided the iconic Casa Italia venue to give the event an Olympic village feel.

To round off the evening, federations enjoyed a performance on the water of music, dance and acrobatics on as the sun set behind the Garda Mountains.

World Sailing Chief Executive Officer David Graham said: “The Youth Sailing World Championships is not just a competition; it is a celebration of camaraderie, learning, and personal growth.

“We must also acknowledge the support network behind every sailor. The families, coaches, clubs and volunteers who give their time to develop the sport and help young sailors reach their potential.

“I would also like to extend our gratitude to the region of Trentino, the Italian Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian Sailing Federation, the Italian Olympic Committee, the regional authorities, Environment Ministry, Sea Ministry, the Region of Veneto and the venue partners – as well as the six sailing clubs hosting events this week.

“I’d also like to thank our suppliers, Nautivela, Nacra Sailing, ILCA, Ovington and iQFOiL Youth and Junior, for all their support of this event over the years to make it possible.

“The effort from everyone involved embodies the team spirit and dedication that the sport of sailing is built on.”

The Youth Sailing World Championships 2024 will be streamed live and results will be available from July 15-19.

The event is the first in its 53-year history to be held across six clubs, making for a spectacular display of racing from Riva to Malcesine, where Formula Kite is held.

FIV President Francesco Ettorre said: “When World Sailing assigned us the World Youth Sailing Championships, one of our prerogatives was to organize this event on Lake Garda together with all the clubs, thinking of a union that would leave something behind.

“The result actually exceeded expectations thanks to all those people who believed in it, from the provincial institutions to the national ones with four supporting Ministries.

“We wanted to create an event that was not only sporting but also included a series of activities that could also be enjoyed by citizens: for the first time we will also have Casa Italia, a great gift from CONI, the nerve centre of the event where all the young athletes will also be able to come together.”