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The 2026 ORC Double-Handed World Championship kicks off with thrilling tactical racing off Scheveningen, and the competition is fierce. Here’s why the opening race sets the tone for the entire championship.
From May 18-25, Jachtclub Scheveningen hosts this prestigious event during the North Sea Regatta, with sailors facing challenging offshore conditions. A high-pressure system influences the race, creating a developing sea breeze that impacts strategies throughout the day. The fleet departs Scheveningen Harbour with a steady 10 knots of wind, expected to drop to 6 knots by day’s end.
The Short Offshore Race features ORC Classes A and B covering a 39.82 NM course, while Class C sails a shorter 31.84 NM route. The Dutch XR-41 X-ESTEEM, helmed by Robin Verhoef and John van der Starre, claims victory in Class A with a time of 5h 53m 58s, showcasing impressive speeds between 7.1 and 8.8 knots.
In Class B, the Dutch JETPACK takes the win after 6h 24m 54s, further solidifying the JPK 10.30’s dominance in offshore double-handed racing. The competition promises to intensify as the championship unfolds, with results revealing the skill and strategy of these talented sailors.
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