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ISAF appoints the International Jury and the Race Officers for the ISAF Youth Worlds, and ensures that the Race Officials have appropriate knowledge of officiating at youth events and will have a rapport with the sailors from 48 nations. For some sailors, this will be their first taste of elite youth competition, whilst others are on repeat appearances at this pinnacle Youth Championship. Whatever the sailors' experience the International Jury will ensure sailors are fully briefed on key rules prior to the Championships.

A rules briefing will take place, led by Chairman of the International Jury, Karst HUT (NED). Qualified as an International Judge and International Umpire, Karst has 13 years experience as an ISAF Race Official, and counts at least three ISAF Youth Worlds to his credit as a Judge, and many more as a team coach. Most recently Karst has been out in Valencia for the America's Cup Acts 4 and 5.

Speaking to Karst before he flew out to Busan, Korea he commented on the main challenge facing the International Jury, 'We must do a good job - in line with the applicable rules and ensure the best athletes have the opportunity to win. The Youth Worlds is the top youth event and a good preparation for youngsters who will join the future Olympic events.'

Commenting on the rules briefing and ongoing communication between officials and athletes, Karst added, 'Prior to the start of competition the jury will emphasize to the sailors the importance of good sportsmanship and to sail in accordance with the applicable rules. While racing, the jury will be on the water to judge rule 42. Jury members are open and willing to explain face to face their vision and to clarify decisions made if requested. '

On the pressure for the sailors, 'The sailors will 'feel' quite some pressure from their own nation to return with medals around the neck. Conditions are the same for everybody, however you will see that during the second part of the competition sailors can have difficulties handling this pressure element.'

Joining Karst on the International Jury are the following five International Judges:

Sally BURNETT (GBR) - with experience ranging from 2004 Olympics to the Louis Vuitton Cup, Sally will be taking extensive knowledge to Busan. Qualified as an ISAF International Judge and International Umpire, Sally has been an ISAF Race Official for seven years.

Jang-Yeong MOON (KOR) - from the host nation, Jang-Yeong has been an ISAF International Judge since 1997. A familiar face at many youth events, Jang-Yeong has officiated at Asian Optimist Sailing Championships and IODA World Championships, so no doubt will be meeting familiar faces who have graduated from the Optimist fleet.

Quanhai LI (CHN) - the most recent high profile event for Quanhai was the 2004 Olympic Sailing Competition in Athens. An ISAF Official since 1998, he includes to his credit officiating at Asian Games and many Olympic Class World Championships.

Ralph ROBERTS (NZL) - a familiar face at ISAF Youth Worlds, 2005 marks Ralph's third successive appearance on the International Jury at the Championship. An International Judge since 1983, Ralph carries many years of experience to the Championship, including several Olympics, and most recently the 2004 Olympic Sailing Competition.

Zofia TRUCHANOWICZ (POL) - Zofia caused something of a stir last year when she made history by becoming the youngest ever ISAF Race Official when she was approved as an ISAF International Judge, acquiring the status aged 22. Already holding a wide range of experience, Zofia has officiated at events including the ISAF Grade 2 Princess Sofia Trophy, ISAF Grade 1 Semaine Olympique Française and Olympic Class Continental Championships.

With the International Jury ensuring fair play, the three ISAF appointed Race Officers will be managing the race management teams and organizing the races.

Tomasz CHAMERA (POL) - Poland organized the 2004 ISAF Youth Worlds, so Tomasz knows well the demands of this Championship from all angles of organization. A member of the International Jury at the 2003 ISAF Youth Worlds, Tomasz holds both ISAF International Judge and Race Officer status, and has been an ISAF Official since 2001.

Mark PRYKE (AUS) - Mark is one of the few individuals who holds three ISAF Race Official positions - a Race Officer since 1998, an International Judge since 1997 and an International Umpire since 1997. A massive breadth of experience which ranges from Olympic Games to World Championships, including past ISAF Youth Worlds.

Nino SHMEULI (ISR) - an ISAF Race Official since 1992, and holding the status of Race Officer and International Judge, Nino is making a repeat appearance at the ISAF Youth Worlds, having been part of the Race Officer team in 2004. Nino has vast experience from youth events, having officiated at numerous World and Continental Championships, particularly in the 420, Cadet, Laser and Optimist, alongside windsurfing and IMS events.

With a strong global representation and a vast depth of experience, the competitors and teams can be sure that the very best ISAF Officials are officiating at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2005.