Balearic sailor Marta Cardona was awarded the prestigious Kuehne+Nagel Young World Sailor of the Year 2025 prize, recognizing her as the best young sailor in the world. The World Sailing Awards ceremony, organized by the International Sailing Federation (World Sailing), was held in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland.
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Cardona, a member of the Spanish Sailing Federation's (RFEV) pre-Olympic team, has made a meteoric and resounding rise to the elite. At just 20 years old, the CN Arenal sailor made the leap from the 49er FX class to the mixed 470, forming a dream duo with the skipper. Jordi Xammar (CN El Garraf and RCN Barcelona).
A Year of Historic Titles
The couple has had an unforgettable 2025. Together they proclaimed world champions in Gdynia (Poland) in June and, a month earlier, they had won the title of European champions in Split (Croatia). This achievement is especially remarkable given the speed of their rise and the limited joint preparation, demonstrating Xammar's competitive leadership and Cardona's exceptional adaptability and sporting maturity.
“Receiving this award is incredible. It has been a very special year and I want to thank everyone who has supported us: my family, my club, my coaches, the RFEV, and Jordi. We have worked very hard, and feeling this recognition gives me even more motivation for everything that is to come,” the Mallorcan declared, visibly moved, after receiving the award.
The award for best young sailor was given by a verdict that combined the public vote with the evaluation of a expert jury international, confirming the high projection of the sailor within the nautical world.
Spain, a Global Leader in Sailing
With this new award, Spanish sailing consolidates its position as one of the most competitive in the world. This is the second consecutive year that Spain has been among the World Sailing winners, following Diego Botín and Florian Trittel's victories as best male sailors in 2024.
The president of the RFEV, Joaquín GonzálezGonzález highlighted the significance of the award: “This award confirms Marta’s extraordinary talent and sporting maturity. She represents a new generation arriving with strength and ambition. It is a source of pride for Spanish sailing to see her at the top of the world. This recognition is well-deserved.” González also acknowledged the other Spanish finalists: Cardona’s teammate, Jordi Xammar, nominated for best male sailor, and the inclusive sailing project “Yes We Sail,” nominated in the Team of the Year category.
Marta Cardona and Jordi Xammar will continue their preparation within the RFEV pre-Olympic team, which has the support of entities such as the Higher Sports Council, the Spanish Olympic Committee and sponsors such as Iberdrola and Quirónprevención.
