World championship gold medallist Merle Nieuwland from Cardiff Bay Yacht Club has been named Welsh Young Sailor of the Year.

Merle claimed victory with helm Sabine Potter in the 420 two-person female class at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Finishing their four-year 420 career on a high as part of a 16-strong team representing GBR, their selection for World Sailing’s pinnacle youth event followed on from them having also claimed the 420 national championship title in summer.

The Welsh Young Sailor of the Year trophy, which was historically presented annually, was last awarded in 2010 but rediscovered by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Cymru Wales team while moving into a new office at Plas Menai last year.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to make this award to put outstanding Welsh youth sailors in the spotlight – and delighted to present it to Merle in recognition of her achievements in 2025,” RYA Pathway & Events Officer Hatty Morsley said.

“It’s not every year that you are both a national and world champion!”

Receiving the award at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club while coaching other up and coming young sailors, Merle said that winning the Youth Sailing Worlds in the 420 with Sabine in December was “a proper dream come true”.

Commenting on being awarded the Welsh Young Sailor of the Year trophy following her successful 2025 season, she added: “It’s a real honour. There are some pretty big names on here so it feels pretty special to be among them.”

The Young Sailor of the Year trophy was first introduced in 1995 by the Welsh Yachting Association, which subsequently became RYA Cymru Wales. Previous recipients include silver and double Olympic gold medallist and now SailGP strategist Hannah Mills from Cardiff; and Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup and SailGP sailor Bleddyn Mon from North Wales.

Merle, aged 18, is a former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr in her hometown of Cardiff and currently taking a gap year following A levels.

She started sailing at the age of 8 and competed in the Optimist class for junior sailors before moving into the 420 doublehanded youth class as a crew, supported throughout by Welsh Sailing and squads alongside competing nationally and internationally.

Asked for any advice she might have from her own experiences for other aspiring sailors looking to maximise their performance, she said: “My top tips are when you go out on the water, it’s about just really having a purpose – train hard and have fun!”

Merle is now sailing in the 470 Olympic class and also plans to continue coaching.

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