The Szczecin Match Race 2026 will take place on Lake Dąbie in Szczecin, Poland from October 8-11, marking Stage 15 of the World Match Racing Tour. This prestigious event will see 16 teams from 9 countries compete, including some of the top-ranked sailors globally, racing on identical RS21 yachts.
Match racing is known for its thrilling one-on-one duels, where strategy and quick decision-making are crucial for success. This format has been the battleground for the legendary America’s Cup for decades.
Since its inception in 2008, the Szczecin Match Race has become a significant part of the World Match Racing Tour and serves as the Open Polish Match Racing Championship. The previous champion, Danish skipper Jeppe Borch, joins a list of elite winners, including Ian Williams and Eric Monnin, as well as Australia’s David Chapman and Estonia’s Mati Sepp.
This year’s event promises high-calibre competition, with seven skippers ranked in the top 100 of the World Sailing standings. The stakes are high, not only for the title but also for points that could secure a spot in the Match Racing World Cup final in November in Saudi Arabia.
Marin Micoulot, currently 21st in the world rankings, is among the favourites, alongside Lennard Bal and Polish champion Jakub Gołębiowski. The official training sessions are scheduled for October 7, with the first races commencing on October 8.
Admission to the event is free, and spectators can follow the action at www.polishmatch.pl and on their social media profiles.
ABOUT WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Founded in 2000, the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the longest-running global professional series in the sport of sailing, featuring world-class sailors including America’s Cup and Olympic champions. The WMRT is exclusively sanctioned with ‘Special Event Status’ by World Sailing, the sport’s world governing body, and the winner of the WMRT each year is crowned World Sailing Match Racing World Champion. Long regarded as a pathway to the America’s Cup, the Tour provides sailors the opportunity to hone their match racing skills and teamwork at the highest level. Since 2000, WMRT and its events have awarded over USD $24 million in prize money to sailors worldwide. www.wmrt.com
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