UK Sailmakers is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 Youth T-Shirt Design Contest. This global competition invited young artists aged 5 to 18 to submit original artwork inspired by sailing and the sea. From hand-drawn sketches to full-color paintings and digital art, each piece reflected the creativity and passion of the next generation of sailors and ocean lovers.
Entries were divided into two age categories, Ages 5–11 and Ages 12–18, and judged on originality, visual appeal, and connection to the theme. The top two winning designs from each age category are available in kids and adult sizes through the UK Sailmakers online store, with prizes awarded to the top artists.
Ages 5–11
1st Place: Calum, age 8 — Canada
Calum’s ink drawing of a blue sailboat set against a calm, cloud-filled sky evokes the quiet beauty of a winter sail. With soft, cool tones, the clouds almost resemble fluffy snowflakes drifting above still waters.
2nd Place: Aurora, age 9 — Canada
Aurora’s mixed-media masterpiece features a sailboat at anchor, resting peacefully above a thriving undersea world. A big blue whale, colorful fish, jellyfish, and a starfish bring the ocean to life beneath the surface.
3rd Place: Briar, age 6 — Canada
Briar’s vibrant marker drawing shows a joyful scene of someone swimming among a rainbow of jellyfish beside a sailboat. Bright, playful colors capture the carefree fun of summer on the water.
Ages 12–18
1st Place: Luna, age 12 — USA
Luna’s pencil drawing impressed judges with its soft realism and detail. A sailboat glides along while a seagull circles overhead—brought to life with thoughtful shading and a strong sense of atmosphere.
2nd Place: Mateo, age 12 — Spain
Mateo’s colorful drawing depicts a small fleet of Optimist sailboats racing toward a yellow mark. Rendered in colored pencil and marker, his piece captures the energy and focus of junior dinghy racing.
3rd Place: Elif, age 17 — Türkiye
Elif’s acrylic painting shows a classic sailboat at sunset, framed by lush trees. The warm palette and detailed brushwork give her piece the feel of a timeless summer evening under sail.
Prizes and Recognition
Each 1st Place winner will receive:
• A free shirt featuring their printed design
• A $50 USD UK Sailmakers online store gift card
• Their design printed and sold globally in the UK Sailmakers online shop
Second place winners receive a free shirt printed with their design and their design printed and sold globally in the UK Sailmakers online shop.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful to all the young artists who participated. Your creativity and love for the ocean made this contest something truly special.
We hope to bring the Youth T-Shirt Design Contest back again in the future—so stay tuned, and keep creating.
Winning designs are available now on UK Sailmakers’ Online Store.
