Brazil wins 2022 Lightning Youth Worlds

Fifteen teams from six different countries competed in the 2022 Harken Blockheads Lightning Youth World Champion on July 6-9 in Sheboygan, WI.

Two races were sailed on Day 1 in windy and chilly conditions. Day 2 was lost due to lack of wind. Day 3 the fleet sailed three races in what started as medium air, and ended with extreme conditions for both wind and waves.

On the final day the fleet completed three more races in medium air, fading to no breeze. Team Brazil, consisting of Nicolas Bernal, Mathias Reimer, and Felipe Fonseca, built an early lead in the breezy conditions and held on for a victory by a tiebreaker.

The Chilean Team of Dante Parodi, Diego Natho and Santiago Lorca made furious comeback on the final day to tie the Brazilians, but finishing second on countback. The top United States team of Brady Starck, Bobby Starck, and Adam Starck finished the regatta in third.

“After 3 years of planning and anticipation, the Youth Worlds was everything we have been waiting for,” noted Lightning Youth Worlds Vice President Debbie Probst. “Great conditions, close competition and lots of new friendships being made.”

Overall, six different countries were represented in the top seven places, with all of the teams consisting of sailors aged 20 and under. The next Lightning Youth World Championship is set for Chile in 2024.

Event details – Results – Photos