Day 3 of the 65th Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta concluded the qualifying series, setting the stage for the medal rounds featuring the top Formula Kite and iQFOiL athletes. With one day of racing left, the top ten competitors from each fleet secured their spots for the finals.
Grae Morris has secured a place straight into the Men’s iQFOiL Grand Final after leading the overall standings by an enormous margin of 43 points. Fellow Aussie Rory Meehan who wrapped up the Elimination Series 5th overall will need to go through the Quarter Finals route.
In the Formula Kite, Breiana Whitehead also advances to the Quarter Finals after finishing the 6th overall in the Elimination Series.
Under an elimination format, the top two qualifiers will advance directly to the Finals, while those finishing third and fourth will move to the Semi-Finals. Sailors ranked fifth through tenth will compete in the Quarterfinals, aiming for a chance at the podium.
Today’s lighter wind conditions, with an 8–12 knot breeze and gusts up to 15 knots, resulted in some of the closest racing of the event. Competitors showcased tactical skill and precision in handling their boards, leading to tight mark roundings and frequent lead changes, which kept spectators engaged throughout the afternoon.
The excitement continues as spectators can enjoy the thrilling races from the beaches and the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, providing excellent views of the competition.
The championship schedule for Thursday includes:
– 12:55 p.m. – Formula Kite Men & Women Consolation Series
– Followed by – iQFOiL Men & Women Consolation Series
– 1:55 p.m. – Formula Kite Men Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals & Finals
– 1:55 p.m. – Formula Kite Women Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals & Finals
– Following Kite Finals – iQFOiL Men Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals & Finals
– Following Kite Finals – iQFOiL Women Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals & Finals
The Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta serves as the final event of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam season for both the Formula Kite and iQFOiL classes and offers invaluable experience for athletes on the future Olympic waters of LA28.
The event is organised by the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta Organising Committee in collaboration with Long Beach Yacht Club and Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, showcasing Long Beach as a premier sailing destination.
Event Highlights
• Dates: July 13–16, 2026
• Racing: Begins daily at 2:00 p.m. (Monday–Thursday)
• Spectators: Free viewing from Belmont Shore beaches and Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
• Results: Updated daily throughout the regatta on the official event website
• Disciplines: Formula Kite and iQFOiL
• Athletes: More than 100 international competitors
• Venue: Official LA28 Olympic sailing venue
About the Event
The Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta is organised by the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta Organising Committee in partnership with Long Beach Yacht Club and Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. The event highlights Long Beach as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations while preparing athletes, race officials, volunteers, and the community for the LA28 Olympic Games.
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