Island talented young sailors crowned world champions

Two of the Island’s talented young sailing stars, supported by Wightlink, have been crowned RS Feva World Champions capping an extraordinary year of success on the international stage.

Cassius Day and sailing partner Harry O’Callaghan claimed the world title after a dominant performance at the RS Feva World Championships in Travemünde, northern Germany. Competing against a world-class fleet of 138 boats from 18 nations, the pair secured six race wins to take the championship in challenging conditions.

There was further success for fellow Isle of Wight Talented Athletes Hannah Yates and Fallon Day who delivered an outstanding performance to finish as the third girls pairing in the world and 11th overall, against some of the sport’s strongest international competition.

Representing the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Gurnard Sailing Club, the Island sailors demonstrated the exceptional talent being developed on the Isle of Wight.

For Cassius and Harry, the World Championship victory completes an unbeaten season in the RS Feva class. During the past year they have also won the National Championships, Inland Championships, Spring Championships and the RYA Eric Twiname Youth and Junior Championships.

Commodore of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Jane Barrett Bellingham said: “Huge congratulations to all the young sailors for their recent sailing campaigns resulting in an incredible win on the world stage. Also to their parents and support teams for all the early mornings and logistical support that we see through the long winters at Club level. A big shout out as always to Wightlink for all their partnership support for the talented athletes on the Isle of Wight too.”

Cassius has also enjoyed further success sailing alongside his sister Fallon for Ryde School, with the pair winning the Itchenor National Schools Championships for a record third consecutive year in the RS Feva class.

Meanwhile Hannah and Fallon have rounded off an exceptional season together by being crowned overall winners of the RS Feva 2025/26 Grand Prix Series.

Cassius and Fallon’s parents added: “The most enormous thank you to Wightlink for the ferry assistance in helping us get our young sailors and their boats to training and competitions year-round.”

Sam Woodman, Partnerships Marketing Manager at Wightlink said: “Everyone at Wightlink is incredibly proud of what Cassius, Harry, Fallon and Hannah have achieved. To see four young Island sailors competing against the very best in the world and returning home with a World Championship title and more outstanding results is truly inspiring. We know the commitment required to compete at this level and we’re delighted to have helped support them. They are fantastic ambassadors for the Isle of Wight and we congratulate them on an exceptional season.”

Their latest successes underline the Island’s reputation for producing world-class sailing talent and providing an inspiring example for the next generation of young sailors following in their wake.