Ahead of the 2026 Offshore Double Handed World Championship, a key event in the offshore sailing calendar, the Notice of Race has formally been published.
Held in Marseille, France, the event will run from 23 September to 2 October 2026, featuring up to 22 teams, showcasing the growing international appeal of offshore racing
The 2026 edition will be hosted by the Cercle Nautique & Touristique du Lacydon (CNTL) of Marseille, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Cap Regatta, and the Yacht Club de France, with support of the Fédération Française de Voile (FFV). Building on the momentum of the 2025 Championship held in Cowes, UK, the upcoming regatta will utilise an equalised fleet of Sun Fast 30 One Design yachts, supplied by the hosts to ensure a level playing field where the outcome is decided by tactical brilliance rather than equipment.
Corinne Migraine, World Sailing Vice President, said: “The Offshore Double Handed World Championship has grown to become an integral part of the offshore sailing calendar. Bringing together mixed teams from around the world to compete on provided one-design boats makes this event truly interesting, particularly in the picturesque bay of Marseille. The event promises to showcase everything the sport embodies: teamwork, endurance, resilience, and strategy. We are all looking forward to an exceptional event this September.”
Race Director Christophe Gaumont reflected: “Having served as Race Director in Lorient 2024, I am honoured to return for this third edition in Marseille 2026, and I’m looking forward to leading the action on the water once again. The level of the teams, the blend of cultures makes this world Championship a truly special event, each team competing on equal terms. For the first time in the Mediterranean waters there’s no doubt that the best among them will be crowned.”
As identified in Navigating Offshore, World Sailing’s Plan to Support Offshore Sailing, the event is a key event to promote diversity and gender equity through the celebration of mixed crews. The competition structure is designed to be intense and inclusive, consisting of up to two qualification races, a repechage round, and a winner-takes-all final race. Full specifications are available for within the published Notice of Race.
World Sailing Member National Authorities (MNAs) are now officially invited to request invitations for their top-tier athletes. To ensure a truly global representation, each MNA is allocated up to two invitations. Interested sailors are encouraged to contact their respective national governing bodies immediately to register their interest and begin the selection process for this premier offshore event.
View and download the Notice of Race here. More information about the championship can be found on the CNTL Marseille website.
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