Yachting: Top youths to sail off

New Zealand's top under-19 yachties are in Warkworth for a four-day regatta starting today.

The 2003 Yachting New Zealand YouthSail brings together the top youth sailors from around the country and across a number of classes, including Laser, 420, Europe and Mistral.

The regatta is being held off Sandspit Yacht Club at Algies Bay.

In addition to the Youth World classes, the regatta will include the P Class, Starling, Splash, 29er and Hobie 16.

After the regatta, Yachting New Zealand will select the youth team to represent New Zealand at the ISAF world youth sailing championships in Portugal this year.

A national youth squad will also be selected to train over the coming months in preparation for international competition.