4 February, 2026

Wakatere sailors claim bronze at youth worlds

Wakatere sailors on world stage… above left, on the bronze podium, Tessa Clinton (left) with Amelia Higson and, picture at right, bronze winner Cam Brown (left) with Oli Stone

Wakatere yachties Cam Brown and Tessa Clinton have won bronze medals at the World Youth sailing champs at Vilamoura, Portugal.
Cam teamed with crew Oli Stone to win bronze in the 420 boys’ division, while Tessa also won bronze in the girls’ 420 class, teaming with Amelia Higson.
Another member of the 13-strong NZL Sailing Foundation team, Toby Wigglesworth, claimed silver in the boys’ kitefoil event.
It was the first time since 2022 that New Zealand had won medals at the world event.
Seventeen-year-olds Tessa and Amelia credited their success to consistency in a range of conditions and hard work leading up to the event.
“We knew we’d probably do okay in the breeze, but we were unsure about how we would perform in the light winds,” Tessa told Sailing World. “European sailors are known for their light-wind sailing, so when we had light days, we were nervous.
“We sailed four or five times a week in New Zealand – rain, shine, no matter the conditions. It was tough at times, juggling sailing with exams, and Amelia had to drive over an hour from Maraetai to Takapuna every day. But we never gave up and stayed focused.”
Cam, at his third youth world champs, exceeded his goal of a top five finish, with bronze after a phenomenal final day, coming second in three races after starting the morning in seventh place.
Two other Wakatere sailors were at the event held in December: Will Mason in the boy’s 29er class finished 14th with Will Leech.
On the windsurfing front, Daniella Wooldridge was 14th in the girls’ iQFoil.