An international fleet of 19 teams representing 15 Member National Authorities across five continents has been officially confirmed for the 2026 Offshore Double Handed World Championship, set to take place in Marseille, France, from 23 September to 2 October 2026.
The prestigious event will bring together an elite mix of Olympic sailors, Ocean Race veterans, and emerging offshore talent from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Uruguay, and the United States.
Notable milestones for this edition include the debut of the Irish team, marking the first time the nation has competed at the championship, and the return of Belgium to the lineup.
The confirmed line-up features a formidable contingent of returning competitors alongside new high-profile partnerships.
The Uruguayan pairing of Federico Waksman, winner of the 2023 Mini Transat, and Dominique Knüppel, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian in the Nacra 17 class, return to the circuit following an impressive third-place finish at the 2025 championship.
Sweden will again be represented by the experienced duo of Anna Drougge, a veteran of the 2001–2002 Ocean Race, and Martin Angsell, both bringing extensive knowledge from their campaigns in the previous two editions.
Jonas Gerckens and Djemila Tassin from Belgium arrive in impressive form after a second-place result in the Globe 40, with both sailors actively preparing for the upcoming Route du Rhum solo transatlantic race in the Class40 division.
Host nation France enters the competition with strong title ambitions, fielding defending champion Thomas Andrew, who returns alongside new partner Julia Colombe. The French squad is further bolstered by standout entry Christopher Pratt, a decorated offshore racer with an extensive pedigree spanning the Figaro circuit, Transat Jacques Vabre, and The Ocean Race, who pairs with Mailys Radulic.
Matt Allen, Chair of World Sailing’s Oceanic & Offshore Committee, expressed satisfaction with the diverse talent pool, stating, “World Sailing is very pleased to have such talented sailors from around the world coming to compete for the championships. This shows how strong double handed offshore competition has evolved in recent years.”
Race Director Christophe Gaumont added, “It’s an honour to manage this championship that will unite elite crews from around the world, each bringing unique culture and experiences to the competition. Competing on one-designed boats in the Mediterranean will deliver thrilling and closely contested action.”
The championship will be hosted by Cercle Nautique & Touristique du Lacydon (CNTL) of Marseille in collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Cap Regatta, and the Yacht Club de France, supported by the Fédération Française de Voile (FFV).
Teams will compete in an equalised fleet of supplied Sun Face 30 One Designs yachts, ensuring the winner is determined by performance on the water rather than equipment. More information about the championship can be found on the CNTL Marseille website
#worldsailingofficial #OffshoreSailing #WorldChampionship
More Offshore Sailing stories: Click here
