10 June 2026
The 2026 ILCA 7 Masters World Championship got underway in Athens on Tuesday with two races completed in light and highly variable northerly winds, providing a challenging opening day for the 86 sailors representing 20 nations.
Both races were sailed on schedule in a 5–10-knot breeze from 30–50 degrees. Flat water across the racecourse offered little relief from the tactical challenges posed by the unpredictable wind shifts, rewarding sailors who were able to quickly adapt to changing conditions.
Italy’s Alessandro Sartorelli, who leads the Masters category after the opening day, reflected on the demanding racing: “This is the ninth Masters event I’ve raced in, and I’m excited. Today, the conditions on the water were unpredictable. In the first race, I had a good start, but then I ran into some difficulties. In the end, I managed to finish in the top three. A few tactical mistakes in the second race set me back, but I eventually recovered and got the job done. The organization is outstanding. Amazing food, excellent weather, great hospitality, and fierce competition on the water with top sailors such as my friend Adonis Bougiouris. We keep going…”
Leaders After Two Races
Apprentices (30–44 years)
- Mihalis Koulianos GRE – 4 pt
- Franco Riquelme Antonetti ARG – 4 pt
- John Sweeny AUS – 5 pt
Masters (45–54 years)
- Alessandro Sartorelli ITA – 3 pt
- Adonis Bougiouris GRE – 5 pt
- Marco Pasquini ITA – 6 pt
Grand Masters (55–64 years)
- Duncan Pearce CAN – 7 pt
- Mark Lyttle GBR – 8 pt
- Patrick Wachholz CAN – 9 pt
Great Grand Masters (65–74 years)
- Nick Page NZL – 5 pt
- Roberto Bini ITA – 6 pt
- Allan Clark CAN – 8 pt
Legends (75 and over)
- Greg Jackson USA – 2 pt
- John Roberson AUS – 4 pt
- Don Hahl USA – 6 pt
Further information, results, photos and videos are available on the official event website. Follow the ILCA website and social media channels for daily reports and updates from Athens.
Report by Agustín Argüelles – ILCA / Photos by Harris Gkaniatsas – Nautical Club of Kalamaki
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