Returning medallists and high-profile contenders among the Marseille line-up
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 representing 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 and The Ocean Race Europe veteran, return to the circuit following an impressive third-place finish at the 2025 championship.
- Sweden will be represented once again by the experienced duo of Anna Drougge, a veteran of the 2001–2002 Ocean Race, and Martin Angsell, who both bring extensive knowledge from their campaign in the previous two editions.
- Representing Belgium, Jonas Gerckens and Djemila Tassin arrive in impressive form following a second-place result in the Globe 40, with both sailors also 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 the standout entry of Christopher Pratt, a decorated offshore racer with an extensive pedigree spanning the Figaro circuit, Transat Jacques Vabre (now known as the Transat Café-L’Or), and The Ocean Race, who pairs with Mailys Radulic.
Matt Allen, Chair of World Sailing’s Oceanic & Offshore Committee, said, “World Sailing is very pleased to have such talented sailors from around the world coming to compete for the 2026 Offshore Double Handed World Championships in Marseille. It shows how strong double handed offshore competition has evolved in recent years. To have 19 talented teams from 15 countries across five continents is going to provide a tough and exhilarating challenge for the crews to be crowned the 2026 World Champion.”
Christophe Gaumont, Race Director, added, “It’s an honour to manage this the World Sailing Offshore Double Handed World Championships 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, the races are set to deliver thrilling and closely contested action.”
The 2026 Offshore Double Handed World Championship will be hosted by Cercle Nautique & Touristique du Lacydon (CNTL) of Marseille with collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Cap Regatta, and the Yacht Club de France and the support of the Fédération Française de Voile (FFV).
Teams will compete in an equalised fleet of supplied Sun Face 30 One Designs yachts, to ensure the winner is decided by performance on the water rather an equipment. More information about the championship can be found on the CNTL Marseille website.
Juice Petite
The All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in sporting history – The New Zealand All Blacks are one of the most successful teams in sporting history. Since 1903 when they played their first ever game, they have a win percentage of 78% in nearly 600 games. That stat is absolutely crazy when you think about it. They’ve also won 3 Rugby World Cups (though arguably should have won all of them apart from 1991 and 2003). They were also the first rugby team to win 500 test matches, one of many records establishing the All Blacks the world’s best team. Can you imagine winning 78% of all your games you play!?
Necessary Momentum
Sport Trivia: She was the first South African to win gold at the Olympics after 44 years. She won the gold medal in the 100m and 200m breaststroke in Atlanta in 1996. Answer: Penny Heyns. Penny Heynes held 14 records for breaststroke. During the 1999 Pan Pacific games, she broke 6 world records, (many of them her own previous records), and by the end of 1999 she held the record for the 50m, 100m and 200m long course breaststroke, simultaneously.