INTERNATIONAL FLYING JUNIOR
Endless Friendships.
Discover the International FJ: a fast, versatile and competitive sailing class connecting sailors around the world.
Discover the results of the season's premier event, where the world's best Flying Junior sailors competed for the world title.
Explore the Flying Junior: a timeless two-person dinghy renowned for its design, performance and enduring sailing tradition.
Official clarification on the 2024 CRC amendment, defining sail reinforcement requirements.
2026
International Flying Junior World Championship
The world’s best Flying Junior sailors met once again for the 2026 FJ World Championship – a week where competition, friendship and passion for sailing came together.
Hosted by Centro Velico Elbano in Rio Marina, Elba, one of Italy’s most inspiring sailing venues, the championship saw teams from across the globe to race, learn and share unforgettable moments on and off the water.
Four fantastic days of good and sustained wind (ranging between Force 3 and Force 5 on the Beaufort scale) permitted 11 highly disputed races.
A total of 52 crews participated, from Europe, US, Mexico, with sailors from the age of 9 to 79.
Guido Sol and Koen de Nooijer, Dutch crew, became Flying Junior World Champions with 12 points.
Hylke Sasse and Annemart Schamal, also Dutch, took second place with 20 points.
Matthias Riffeler and Justus Rüthing, German crew, secured the third place with 39 points.
Four days. One island. Endless racing.
Circolo Velico Elbano, Rio Marina, Elba - July 27-32, 2026
and join the fun!
IFJO 2024 CRC Amendment Clarification - Sail Reinforcements
Technical Interpretation Regarding Sail Reinforcements (2024 CRC Amendment)
As identified by Yann Masserotti, Flying Junior International Measurer, the 2024 CRC Class Rules amendment (effective June 1st, 2024) by accidentally omitting the term “reinforcements” under the framework of Closed Class Rules creates an unintended bottleneck for sailmakers and measurers alike.
To resolve this issue immediately and maintain the integrity of ongoing and upcoming international events, the IFJO is issuing the following dual-action response:
Immediate Official Technical Interpretation
Effective immediately, the IFJO Technical Committee issues this official interpretation to guide all international and national measurers:
- Bidimensional Extension: There are no limitations on the two-dimensional (surface area) size or extension of sail reinforcements (including corner patches, batten pocket reinforcements, and anti-chafe protection).
- Thickness Limits: This interpretation does not waive structural limits. All existing thickness limitations for reinforcements, as defined in the relevant World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) and the overarching FJ specifications, remain fully in force.
Permanent Regulatory Correction
The IFJO acknowledges that an interpretation is a temporary bridge.
To permanently correct this omission, the Technical Committee is drafting a formal emergency rule amendment. This will explicitly reintroduce “reinforcements” into the permitted items list (Section G) of the FJ Class Rules. This amendment will be submitted to World Sailing for expedited approval and published as soon as the administrative process is complete.
Action for Measurers:
Measurers are officially authorized and directed to certify sails that feature reinforcements, provided they comply with the thickness limits. No sail should be rejected or denied certification solely based on the presence or surface area of standard structural reinforcements.