Eight races completed across both classes, with excellent sailing conditions on the final day as the European junior titles were decided.
Vilamoura, Portugal – 14 NOVEMBER 2026 – The 2026 Junior European Championships for the 49er and 49erFX classes concluded Saturday at Vilamoura Sailing, with Japanese sailors Manase Ichihashi and Rinko Goto winning the 49erFX title and Italy’s Lorenzo Pezzilli and Tobia Torroni securing the 49er title. A total of eight races were completed in each class despite challenging weather conditions during the championship.
The event was marked by unsettled weather and strong winds, which disrupted the racing schedule during the opening days. Racing resumed as conditions improved, allowing the race committees to complete eight races and determine the final standings in both classes.
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Japan Takes 49erFX Junior European Title
Japan’s Manase Ichihashi and Rinko Goto secured the 49erFX Junior European Championship title, finishing with 23 net points.
Switzerland’s Malena Rüegge and Liv Wicki took second place, also with 23 points, while Germany’s Jule Ernst and Lea Adolph completed the podium.
The Japanese crew’s victory came in a competitive fleet where several teams remained closely matched throughout the championship.
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Italy Adds European Title to Junior World Championship Success
In the 49er class, Italy’s Lorenzo Pezzilli and Tobia Torroni claimed the Junior European Championship with 13 net points, adding another major title to their 2026 season.
Having already won the Junior World Championship earlier this year, the Italian pair completed a double achievement by securing both the junior world and European titles in the same season.
Germany’s Simon Heindl and Conrad Jacobs finished second with 31 points, while Ireland’s Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain completed the podium with 43 points.
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Open Classifications
Alongside the junior championships, the event also included Open classifications in both classes.
In the 49erFX Open, Germany’s Hanno Rix and Maximilian Reuner secured first place, followed by Portugal’s José Mendes and Francisco Pereira in second. Ireland’s Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour completed the podium in third.
In the 49er Open, Italy’s Zeno Valerio Marchesini and Leonardo Chistè took first place. Fellow Italian sailors Jan Pernarcic and Bruno Festo finished second, while Hungary’s Soma Kis-Szölgyémi and Arthur de Jonghe secured third.
The Open classifications provided an additional competitive opportunity for crews racing alongside the junior fleets.
Final Podium Results
49erFX – Junior European Championship
1º Manase Ichihashi / Rinko Goto (JPN)
2º Malena Rüegge / Liv Wicki (SUI)
3ºJule Ernst / Lea Adolph (GER)
49er – Junior European Championship
1º Lorenzo Pezzilli / Tobia Torroni (ITA)
2º Simon Heindl / Conrad Jacobs (GER)
3º Ben O’Shaughnessy / Ethan Spain (IRL)
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49erFX – Open
1º Hanno Rix / Maximilian Reuner (GER)
2º José Mendes / Francisco Pereira (POR)
3º Erin McIlwaine / Ellen Barbour (IRL)
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49er – Open
1º Zeno Valerio Marchesini / Leonardo Chistè (ITA)
2º Jan Pernarcic / Bruno Festo (ITA)
3º Soma Kis-Szölgyémi / Arthur de Jonghe (HUN)
The conclusion of the championships marks another international sailing event hosted by Vilamoura Sailing. The training center continues its activities with international teams preparing for upcoming competitions, including the Youth Portugal Grand Prix, the 9º Portugal Grand Prix and the 2026 Youth Sailing World Championships.
ABOUT VILAMOURA SAILING
Vilamoura Sailing is the world’s largest dinghy sailing center, renowned for hosting elite sailing events and attracting top athletes from around the globe. Nestled in the heart of the Algarve, it provides world-class facilities, ideal sailing conditions, and a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and fans alike.
MEDIA CONTACT
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