Sixty seven flag bearers and their teams paraded through Tavira towards the City Hall with local people, tourists, family and friends turning out to welcome the sailors competing at the premier youth sailing regatta.
The traditional Mixing of the Waters followed, symbolising the collection and gathering of all the sailors from around the world. The 67 teams had brought bottles of water from lakes and seas from their home nation and poured them into a jug before the water was transferred into the Portuguese waters.
Speeches were delivered by ISAF President Carlo Croce, Chairman of the Organizing Committee Joao Pedro Rodrigues, Mayor of Tavira Jorge Botelho, Portuguese Sailing Federation President Jose Manuel Leandro and Secretary of State of Sports and Youth Emidio Guerreiro.
India is participating at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in the 420 (Boys), Laser (Radial) and the 29er Classes.
The race action starts with the first start scheduled for 13:00 on Monday 14 July. Racing continues through to 18 July.
You will be able to follow the event as it happens via the Live Blog on the ISAF Youth Worlds Website here.
