2025 Lypo-C Enoshima Olympic Week
by Tomoko Nishi 31 May 22:01 PDT
22-25 May 2025
2025 Lypo-C Enoshima Olympic Week © Junichi Hirai
2025 Lypo-C Enoshima Olympic Week ©Junichi Hirai
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The 2025 Lypo-C Enoshima Olympic Week concluded after three days of high-level competition, bringing together 302 boats from five countries and highlighting both Olympic-calibre talent and rising youth sailors.
The event, held at the iconic Enoshima Yacht Harbour, the sailing venue for during the two Olympic Games held in Japan, featured eight classes, including four Olympic classes and four popular junior and international classes.
The Enoshima Olympic Week is a historic regatta that has been held since 1977, the year following the Montreal Olympics, where the 470 class became an official Olympic event. Among the regularly held regattas in Japan, it is the only internationally ranked event recognised by World Sailing, and it also serves as a leg of the Asia Sailing Federation, contributing to the development of sailors across Asia.
This regatta not only attracts sailors from various Asian countries but also opens its doors to junior and youth sailors aiming for the global stage. High school students compete in the 420 class and ILCA6, both of which are included in Japan's Inter-High School Championships, while many elementary and junior high school students take part in the Optimist class, a popular entry-level boat for young sailors. It is a unique event where Olympic athletes and youth sailors come together in a single, vibrant competition.
The regatta kicked off on Friday, then Saturday saw full fleets from all eight classes take to the water in challenging northeasterly winds ranging from 7 to 16 knots. Each class delivered fast-paced, tactical races, with the Snipe class standing out as the largest fleet of the event. Olympic sailors such as Ai Yoshida, who has competed in the Olympics four times in the 470 class, and Keiju Okada, who won a silver medal in the 470 class at the Paris Olympics, joined the fray, battling experienced Snipe specialists and adding a new layer of intensity to the competition.
Off the water, the atmosphere was equally vibrant. The Opening Ceremony and Welcome Party on Saturday night blended Japanese tradition with Olympic inspiration—featuring a sake barrel ceremony, taiko drumming, and a special talk session with elite athletes who shared their journeys and encouraged the next wave of sailors.
However, racing came to an early end on Sunday as the wind failed to stabilise. For safety reasons, the race committee decided to cancel all races scheduled for the final day before the storm got too rough. Final results were based on standings as of Saturday.
Despite the early close, the event once again affirmed its reputation as a critical proving ground for both Asia's top talent and international hopefuls. From seasoned Olympians to junior sailors taking their first steps into competition, Enoshima Olympic Week 2025 proved that the future of sailing is racing fast—and it's racing now.
Official Website and Results at www.jeow.org