Listen & read
Sailors from 12 countries converge at San Diego Yacht Club for the highly anticipated 2026 Etchells World Championship, set to kick off on May 11. This regatta promises thrilling competition as 76 teams, including Olympic medalists and world champions, vie for the prestigious title.
What follows puts the whole situation in context: the returning champions and elite crews intensify the stakes. This year marks the return of the Etchells Worlds to the U.S. after two years in Australia. Notable entries include 2011 champion Bill Hardesty, crewing on John Dane III's DanEgerous (USA 1426), and Rick Merriman helming Big E (USA 1452) for the Grandmasters Trophy, aimed at teams with a combined age over 150.
Defending champions Team Magpie (AUS 1525), led by James Mayo, aim for a hat trick, while 2023 winner John Sommi brings his Miami crew back to the fray. Among the top contenders is RayGun (USA 1527), skippered by Olympian Austin Sperry, who recently dominated the pre-Worlds regatta.
A significant development this year includes a new trophy recognizing female participation, with Coyote (USA 1092) and Mostly Harmless (USA 909) eligible for the inaugural Best Female Team award. The excitement builds as the world’s best prepare to set sail!
Comments (0)