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Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush clinch the 2026 49er World Championship in a nail-biting finale at Quiberon. This victory marks a historic moment as Menzies becomes the youngest skipper in the class's 30-year history to win a world title.
The Kiwis entered the final day leading the pack but faced fierce competition. In the first of two decisive races, they initially got caught in a challenging position at the pin end of the starting line. However, a strategic move allowed them to break free and capitalize on a shift in wind, propelling them to a commanding win over the Dutch team of Bart Lambriex and Floris van de Werken.
The second race posed new challenges. A tangled start put Menzies and Lee Rush near the back of the fleet. Despite this setback, they demonstrated resilience, moving up to fifth by the finish, securing the championship against strong rivals, including the Australians and Germans.
This triumph places the young Kiwis among sailing legends like Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. Menzies, overwhelmed by the achievement, remarked, "I don't have words, that's for sure." The Kiwis’ impressive performance under pressure showcases their potential for future success in the sport.
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