New Zealand will host its first Olympic-class sailing world championship in nearly a decade when Auckland welcomes the women’s ILCA 6 and men’s ILCA 7 World Championship in early 2028. Yachting New Zealand chief executive Steve Armitage confirmed that the world’s top single-handed dinghy sailors will compete in Auckland, known as the City of Sails.
The men’s ILCA 7 World Championship is scheduled for 29 January to 5 February 2028 at the Takapuna Boating Club, followed by the women’s ILCA 6 event from 11 to 18 February 2028. Both regattas will be crucial for preparation and selection ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Armitage stated, “It is part of Yachting New Zealand’s long-term strategic priorities to bring world-class sailing events back to the country, and we are delighted that Auckland will host the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 World Championship.”
The New Zealand Government is supporting the championship through the Major Events Fund, which aims to enhance the country’s international reputation by hosting significant events. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston expressed pride in the event’s arrival, noting its potential to boost local businesses and strengthen New Zealand’s standing as a premier sporting destination.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown remarked, “Auckland is the City of Sails, so Auckland Council Events backing the ILCA World Championship just makes sense. It’s exciting to see the return of top-tier Olympic sailing to Auckland, providing a unique opportunity for local fans and young sailors to experience elite racing.”
Wendy Baker, Commodore of the Takapuna Boating Club, called hosting the world championship a landmark moment for the club, highlighting the quality of the sailing waters and the commitment of the local sailing community.
With New Zealand having hosted several major sailing world championships recently, including the Moth and A-Class Catamaran World Championships, the ILCA events mark the first Olympic-class world championships since the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships in late 2019.
The ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 classes are among the world’s most popular racing sailboats, with over 225,000 boats across 140 countries. Known for their demanding physical and tactical requirements, they are key components of Olympic sailing.
Notable New Zealand sailors include Sam Meech, who won Olympic bronze in 2016, and world champions Nik Burfoot and Tom Saunders. Saunders noted the significance of hosting the competition on home waters, stating, “To have the world’s top men and women racing here is exceptionally rare.”
Greta Pilkington, New Zealand’s leading women’s ILCA 6 sailor, expressed excitement about the regatta, saying, “Competing against the best on home waters will be incredibly special. This event carries huge significance as the last major test before the Olympics.”
Mark Lyttle, president of the ILCA Class Association, described the return of the class world championship to Auckland as long overdue and expressed anticipation for a successful championship in 2028.
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