Game on for NSWIS Sailors in Qingdao for ICLA Worlds

The stage is set in Qingdao, China, as 237 of the world’s best sailors from 40 nations prepare to battle it out over six intense days of racing at the 2025 ILCA6 and ILCA7 World Championships. 

Returning to the iconic Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre, host of the 2008 Olympic Games, the event promises tactically challenging conditions in a venue known for its unpredictable breeze, currents, and coastal fog. With all athletes competing in supplied equipment, it’s all about skill, strategy, and execution. 

For the Australian Sailing Team, it’s a crucial milestone on the road to LA 2028 and the first Olympic class World Championship of the year. 20 Australian athletes are primed and ready to fly the flag.  

“There’s no hiding that this this is the pinnacle event for the year,” said Australian Sailing Team Technical Director Michael Blackburn, who is on the ground supporting the team. “We knew that Qingdao in May could bring light winds, so over the last six months there has been extra effort on developing the squads’ light wind technique and strategy.”  

“There’s also every chance of hiking conditions throughout the regatta, but it has still been really important for our athletes to have a period of focusing on lighter conditions to make them more rounded as sailors.” 

Among the top contenders is Australian National Champion Zac Littlewood, fresh off an 11th place at the Sailing Grand Slam in Palma, Mallorca. He’s focused and aiming to make his mark in one of the sport’s most competitive Olympic classes. 

“I’m feeling pretty prepared with the volume of training we’ve done and the great on-land support we have with the team here,” said Littlewood. “Palma felt a bit rusty, but that was always a training event in the lead-up to this. I’m hoping for more consistency and better execution on the race days.” 

“It’s definitely an event where I want a result, but at the same time, it’s a venue as Australians we don’t have much experience with the current and sea state. So, I’m going in with an open mindset, doing my best, seeing what the week holds and where I end up.” 

Littlewood is joined by Australian Sailing Pathway Team athlete Ethan McAullay who has laid down some impressive race finishes so far this season. Both sailors are guided by coach Rafa Trujillo, a key figure behind Matt Wearn’s successful gold medal defence in Paris. 

In the ILCA6 fleet, Western Australia’s Zoe Thomson arrives in red-hot form after a stunning victory at Trofeo Princesa Sofia last month. She’s joined by a formidable squad featuring Tokyo Olympian Mara Stransky, rising star and NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Evie Saunders, Victorian powerhouse Casey Imeneo, and Australian Sailing Team athlete Elyse Ainsworth. Together, they’re building a culture of collaboration and excellence under the guidance of experienced coach Mikael Lundh. 

Additional NSWIS athletes set to compete in Qingdao are Alexander Bijkerk, Daniel Costandi, Healy Ryan, and Sylvie Stannage.

The combined world championships will unfold over three days of qualifying followed by three days of finals, with a 12-race series ultimately crowning the 2025 ILCA6 and ILCA7 World Champions. 

Australian Sailing Team

Photo: Beau Outteridge