USA 1 from California are the 2026 Team Racing World Champions after defeating USA 2 from Massachusetts 3–0 in Sunday’s final on Riddarfjärden. Great Britain secured the bronze medal by beating New Zealand 2–0, concluding four days of intense racing in Stockholm.
A delighted Alex Curtiss stepped ashore to loud applause after USA 1 secured the world title. The final was sailed as a best-of-five, but USA 1 needed only three races to claim the championship.
“It feels really good. We’re all such great friends and have such amazing support from Newport Harbor Yacht Club. We’re so honoured to represent the United States,” said Curtiss. He also praised the host club and the unique setting in Stockholm, noting the incredible support from over 80 volunteers who dedicated five days to the event.
Great Britain achieved the bronze medal with a 2–0 victory over New Zealand in two competitive races filled with tactical manoeuvres. British team captain Scott Wallis remarked, “It was really tough. New Zealand are very good. There were so many changes during the races, and it could have gone either way. But we managed to win both races close to the finish line.”
The team from Great Britain, representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club, claimed their first World Championship medal despite none of the sailors having competed at a Team Racing World Championship prior. Arthur Henderson, helmsman of the second British boat, expressed hope that more nations will get involved in team racing.
The final day experienced stable westerly to north-westerly winds, contributing to the championship’s total of 220 races, a remarkable achievement for a four-day event. Steven Wolff, World Sailing’s delegate and event controller, highlighted the scale and atmosphere as defining features of the championship, stating, “It’s been a champagne championship. The conditions were amazing, the venue is amazing, the city is amazing, the volunteers are amazing. We got 220 races in and we picked a world champion. What more could we ask for?”
Wolff noted he would remember the volunteers and club members involved in the event, emphasizing their commitment and contribution to the success of the championship. The waterfront location in Stockholm added to the atmosphere, with spectators cheering from the city front.
Praise for the organisers was echoed by sailors throughout the competition. USA 2 skipper Will Bailey described the event as one of the best-organised team racing competitions he had experienced. GSYS project manager Magnus Myrenberg shared that the response exceeded expectations, greatly crediting the club’s members and their supportive attitude.
Japan concluded the championship with two victories on the final day, against Australia and Finland, climbing from 11th to 10th place. Their experience proved valuable, with the team eager to continue developing their skills in team racing.
Denmark ended their championship run in the knockout rounds, but discussions are already underway for a new Danish team racing project aimed at attracting more sailors and potentially staging a major event in Aarhus.
The championship raised questions about the future of team racing, with Wolff suggesting it has a strong case for Olympic inclusion. The shift towards a two boats versus two format is seen as a way to make the sport more exciting and easier to organise.
After four days, 220 races, and countless tactical battles, USA 1 are world champions, and Stockholm has invigorated the momentum of team racing for the future.
For full event results, visit the official Team Racing World Championship website.
Text courtesy TRWC2026
Images Credit: Malcolm Hanes
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