The SB20 Class is bucking the trend of declining participation at sport boat regattas, with more than 70 boats expected to compete at the 2026 SB20 World Championship in Hyères, France, from 16–23 October.
The entry represents a 25% increase over the average participation at the past seven World Championships and is the largest fleet assembled for an SB20 Worlds since the 2017 championship in Cowes.
Competitors from 18 nations across five continents will take part, highlighting the continued international appeal of the one-design sportsboat class.
A three-year strategy delivers results
SB20 Class President Scott Glanville attributes the growth to a deliberate strategy developed three years ago to increase participation at the 2026 championship.
“We started three years ago with a strategy to grow significantly the participation numbers at the 2026 Worlds. Decisions were made throughout this two-to-three-year period that were consistent with this strategy,” Glanville explained.
The arrival of Devoti Sailing as the class manufacturer and distributor in late 2024 has also played an important role. Improved availability of new boats and spare parts has helped attract new sailors and support fleet development.
Another major focus has been encouraging younger competitors, with significant investment in supporting youth teams. The class expects a record number of under-25 teams at this year’s championship.
Glanville noted that the growth has been achieved despite the absence of entries from the UAE and restrictions preventing Russian and Belarusian sailors from competing in France.
Despite these challenges, the class has achieved its participation targets and intends to build on the strategy ahead of the 2027 World Championship in Torbay, Great Britain.
Hyères provides a challenging venue
Hosted by COYCH – Espace Nautique, the championship returns to one of France’s best-known international sailing venues.
Hyères is a regular stop on the Olympic sailing circuit, hosting the Semaine Olympique Française, one of the sport’s major international regattas.
The venue is particularly well known for its demanding wind conditions. The powerful Mistral featured on three days during the 2013 SB20 World Championship, while strong easterly breezes can also produce conditions exceeding 20 knots.
With a large international fleet and potentially challenging weather, competitors can expect a demanding week of one-design racing.
Racing schedule and shoreside activities
The championship begins on 16 October with registration and measurement, followed by a practice race and opening ceremony on 18 October.
Championship racing runs from 19–23 October, with 13 races scheduled and a maximum of four races per day.
Organisers have also planned a social programme to bring competitors together after racing.
Evening activities will include themed pasta parties, prize draws and wine tastings, with visits to two local vineyards available during the event. Physiotherapy sessions will also be offered to competitors after racing.
About the SB20 Class
The SB20 is a modern, high-performance one-design keelboat sailed by crews of three or four.
Known for its speed, responsiveness and tactical racing, the class attracts both professional and amateur sailors, including competitors with Olympic-level experience.
Strict one-design rules place the emphasis on sailing ability, teamwork and tactics rather than equipment development.
The class has established fleets in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, the UAE and Singapore, supported by a calendar of national and international championships.
With more than 70 boats expected on the start line, the 2026 World Championship in Hyères is shaping up as one of the class’s largest international events in recent years.
SB20 Class Association
Supporting the Worlds most respected One Design SportsBoat
www.sb20class.org
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