In exactly one month’s time, the Bay of Hyères will once again welcome the world’s best sailors for the French Olympic Week Hyères – TPM (SOF), which will take place from 18 to 25 April 2026. This significant event is the second stage of the Sailing Grand Slam, a premier international circuit for Olympic sailing classes.
Organised by the French Sailing Federation, this renowned gathering will feature several hundred sailors from over 50 nations, competing across ten Olympic disciplines: ILCA 6 & ILCA 7 (single-handed dinghy for women and men), 49er FX & 49er (double-handed dinghy), iQFOil (windfoil), Formula Kite (kitefoil), 470 (mixed double dinghy), and Nacra 17 (mixed double catamaran).
“For decades, the French Olympic Week in Hyères has been a key event in the Olympic sailing calendar. Welcoming the world’s best sailors once again to the Bay of Hyères is a great source of pride. This stage of the Sailing Grand Slam confirms Hyères and the French Sailing Federation as central players on the international circuit and promises an exceptional week of racing. Beyond the sporting competition, we also want the event to be a celebration for the people of Hyères and the many visitors in the Toulon Provence Méditerranée area, whom we thank for their support,” says Ed Russo, Event Manager of the SOF.
A major international reference event, the French Olympic Week Hyères establishes itself as one of the largest Olympic sailing competitions alongside the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Spain, often likened to Roland-Garros in tennis. The Bay of Hyères is prized for its diverse sailing conditions, providing challenging racecourses where elite sailors face formidable international competition.
Defending champions and notable contenders include Italy’s Chiara Benini Floriani (ILCA 6), Hong Kong’s Nicholas Halliday (ILCA 7), Israel’s Tamar Steinberg (iQFoil), and both USA’s Nevin Snow & Ian Macdiarmid (49er) and Great Britain’s John Gimson & Anna Burnet (Nacra 17).
Among the Olympic medallists competing, Australia’s Matt Wearn (double Olympic champion), Cyprus’ Pavlos Kontides (silver medallist), and Norway’s Line Flem Høst (bronze medallist at Paris 2024) are set to be key competitors. The Nacra 17 fleet will see Italy’s Ruggero Tita & Caterina Banti (double Olympic champions) face substantial competition from others, including Argentina’s Mateo Majdalani & Eugenia Bosco (silver medallists) and New Zealand’s Micah Wilkinson (bronze medallist).
The French Sailing Team is expected to field a robust squad, featuring ILCA 6 World Champion Louise Cervera and Thomas Arnoux, who was the runner-up at the iQFOil World Championship.
A public event village will be open throughout the week, offering a variety of family-friendly activities such as sailing initiations, entertainment, and opportunities to meet the teams. This vibrant space aims to allow everyone to experience the heart of the French Olympic Week Hyères.
Free spectator boat trips will also be available, providing a unique vantage point to watch the racing closely and experience Olympic sailing first-hand.
Key Facts:
Event: French Olympic Week Hyères – TPM
Dates: 18 – 25 April 2026
Edition: 57th
Nations Participating: 60
Sailing Grand Slam: 2nd Stage
Classes: 10 Olympic Classes
#Sailing #OlympicSailing #Hyères2026 #FrenchOlympicWeek #SailingGrandSlam #AustralianSailing
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