Governing body World Sailing has confirmed that competition will take place in waters off Hainan Island between December 9 and 16.

A new selection process had to be opened after the Israel Sailing Association withdrew as host in November, claiming an inability to secure adequate funding. 

Israel were due to play host in Akko in July, but were able to pull out as a final contract had not been signed.

Sanya fought off bids from Mar del Plata in Argentina and Australian city Melbourne.

Finding an alternative host was one of the first major challenges for new World Sailing President Kim Andersen, who unseated incumbent Carlo Croce earlier in November.

"World Sailing is thrilled to take the 2017 Youth Sailing World Championships to the city of Sanya this December," said Andersen.

"The Youth Worlds is where stars of the future are born and Sanya will provide the best young sailors with an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent.

"Sanya is an ambitious host city and has exceptional experience of running world class sailing events and welcoming international visitors. 

"We're excited about working with the Sanya organising authority over the coming months to deliver the event.

"World Sailing received an excellent response from the community when the process to select a 2017 venue was reopened and I thank all of our members who submitted an interest in hosting."

Sanya, which lies at the bottom of Hainan Island, is the southernmost city in China.

Zhenling Xu, the city's deputy mayor, said: "It is great news that our city will host the 2017 Youth Sailing World Championships and I am excited to bring youth sailing to Sanya. 

"Working with World Sailing, the Sanya organising team are confident that the event will be successful and an extraordinary experience for everyone attending."

The problems with the 2017 event provided déjà vu for World Sailing after they were also forced to re-award the 2016 Youth Sailing World Championships following the withdrawal of Oman.

The Gulf nation pulled out suddenly with speculation suggesting they could not meet new criteria designed to prevent discrimination.

This was brought in after the 2015 Youth Sailing World Championships in Malaysia were overshadowed by controversy when Israeli windsurfers Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan were subjected to alleged discrimination in Langkwai.

Israel has no diplomatic relations with much of the Islamic world.

Auckland in New Zealand stepped in to host instead, holding competition in December.