Road to Malta 2027: Expressions of Interest now open for the Commonwealth Youth Games

Sailing will make its debut at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta next year, and eligible young sailors can now register their interest in representing their Home Country.

The Expression of Interest process for sailing at the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games is now open. The RYA, RYA Cymru Wales, RYA Scotland and RYA Northern Ireland are inviting eligible young sailors to put themselves forward to represent one of the Home Countries at this exciting event.

Now that the events and classes to be contested are clearer, RYA Northern Ireland is working closely with our Home Country partners and the RYA to make the selection process as fair and transparent as possible during these early stages.

The event

The sailing competition will take place at Mellieħa Bay, Malta, from 30 October to 4 November 2027, with four individual medal events:

• Men’s Optimist
• Women’s Optimist
• Men’s ILCA 4
• Women’s ILCA 4

Who can apply?

Age is taken as of 31 December 2027.

• Optimist: 14–15 years old (born in 2012 or 2013)
• ILCA 4: 14–17 years old (born in 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013)

The road to Malta

The current process and timeline are:

1. Eligible sailors submit an Expression of Interest form.
2. RYA Northern Ireland submits a longlist of sailors to Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (April 2027).
3. Summer regattas and the selection process take place (details to be confirmed).
4. A shortlist is submitted to Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland for approval.
5. Team NI is announced (September 2027).

Completing the form

As part of the application, sailors will be asked to give:

• their preferred class and event
• the Home Country they wish to represent
• the basis of their eligibility
• their anticipated class transition plans, where applicable

A Sailor Guidance Document is available to help sailors and their parents or guardians understand the process. It covers eligibility requirements, Home Country representation criteria and how to complete the form. We encourage all eligible sailors and their families to read it carefully before applying.

Deadline

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 09:00 GMT on Monday 4 January 2027.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the process, please get in touch with the NI Sailing Team at ryani@rya.org.uk.