The starting field is now complete. All 12 nations have confirmed their participation in the 2026 Team Racing World Championship for keelboats, to be held in Stockholm on 12–16 August. This confirms that the Swedish capital will become the meeting place for the world’s leading team racing sailors when the championship is staged in Europe for the very first time. The 12 nations are Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, UK, USA 1, USA 2.
The championship will take place on Riddarfjärden, in the very heart of Stockholm, and is organised by Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap on behalf of World Sailing. Twelve national teams from four continents will compete, with a total of 96 sailors.
“That all nations are now confirmed shows the strong international interest in both the championship and Stockholm as a sailing venue. This will be a world championship of the highest calibre, both competitively and in terms of public appeal,” says Magnus Myrenberg, Project Manager for the 2026 Team Racing World Championship.
Stockholm selected after international tender
Following an international bidding process, Stockholm was selected ahead of several other candidate host cities. Decisive factors included the city’s experience in stadium-style sailing and Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap’s long-standing work with the Stockholm International Team Race Regatta (SITR), which has been held annually since 2016.
“Being awarded the championship is recognition of many years of long-term work together with our partners and the City of Stockholm. The 2026 Team Racing World Championship will be one of the most accessible and spectator-friendly sailing events ever held in Sweden,” says Magnus Myrenberg.
A World Championship in the heart of the city
Racing will take place from 12–16 August 2026 on Riddarfjärden, directly adjacent to Stockholm City Hall. The location offers outstanding spectator experiences from quays, bridges and elevated viewpoints around the bay, including Västerbron, Skinnarviksberget and Norr Mälarstrand. The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Team Racing is one of the most gender-equal disciplines in sailing. Each national eight person team must consist of at least three women and three men. The championship will be sailed in identical J/80 boats and feature more than 140 intense matches in a highly spectator-friendly format.
The event hub will be the Sailors’ Village at Norr Mälarstrand, bringing together race management, media, public areas, cafés, sponsor zones and grandstands. Visitors will also be able to take part in try-sailing activities, radio-controlled sailing and after-sail events.
Defending champions prepare for Stockholm
Last year’s world champions are already setting their sights on Stockholm. Will Bailey, skipper of the reigning Corinthian world champion team, describes the build-up to the 2026 championship as both challenging and inspiring: “Racing in J/80s is new for us, so there’s been a steep learning curve. Being able to train right in the city, on a harbour course similar to Stockholm, has been incredibly valuable,” says Bailey. He also highlights what makes Team Racing so compelling: “The races are short, intense and incredibly close. Anyone can win any race, which makes it exciting for sailors and spectators alike.”
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is a central pillar of the event. All transport within Stockholm will be emission-free, support boats will primarily be electric or powered by biofuel, and food and waste management will follow the World Sailing Sustainability Framework.
Facts: Team Racing World Championship 2026
Dates: 12–16 August 2026 (training day 11 August)
Venue: Riddarfjärden, Stockholm
Organiser: Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap
Rights Holder: World Sailing Participants: 12 national teams, 96 sailors
Boat type: J/80
Spectators: Free admission
Sustainability standard: World Sailing Sustainability Framework
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