Beginning in 2022, the Apprentice age division for ILCA Masters World Championships will now include sailors ages 30 to 44. ILCA is excited about this change, which for the first time gives sailors under the age of 35 the opportunity to join the ILCA Masters World Championships and to enjoy the unique atmosphere of that fleet. All other Masters age categories will remain unchanged.

The ILCA World Council has recently approved this change for implementation at the 2022 Masters World Championships in Mexico. The previous Apprentice age division was for sailors age 35-44, and this change will give new sailors the opportunity to enjoy the highly competitive ILCA racing and Masters Worlds camaraderie without being a full time sailor.

ILCA certainly does not expect this change to dramatically increase the number of Apprentice entries at our Worlds, but we do believe that by being more inclusive and “broadening our tent” to allow more adult sailors to enjoy our Masters Worlds will only serve to attract more interest in the ILCA class from both grass roots and former competitive ILCA sailors looking to get back into our great sport.

From the Notice of Race for the 2022 ILCA Masters World Championships, based on a competitor’s age on the first day of the event, divisions will be: 30 to 44 – Apprentice, 45 to 54 – Master, 55 to 64 – Grand Master, 65 to 74 – Great Grand Master, 75 and over – Legend.