What to Expect at the 2025 and 2026 World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships

The World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships are set to return with a bang in 2025 and 2026, marking a new era for this prestigious event. After a decade-long hiatus, the championships will not only reintroduce top-tier competition but also unveil an innovative format that promises to elevate the excitement for participants and spectators alike.

New Venues and Dates Announced

World Sailing, the sport's global governing body, has officially announced the venues and dates for the next two editions of the championships:

• 2025 World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships

• Venue: New York Yacht Club, Newport, RI, United States
• Dates: May 28 - June 1, 2025
• Supported by: US Sailing

• 2026 World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships

• Venue: Gamla Stan’s Yacht Sällskap, Stockholm, Sweden
• Dates: August 2026 (specific dates to be confirmed)
• Supported by: City of Stockholm and the Swedish Sailing Federation

These venues are steeped in sailing history and provide the perfect backdrop for the revival of the championships, ensuring a thrilling experience for competitors and fans alike.

A New Format for a New Era

The World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships will introduce a new 2x2 keelboat format, a significant shift from the traditional 3x3 dinghy races. This fresh format, where two boats race against two others, is designed to enhance the strategic complexity of the races while offering a more dynamic and spectator-friendly experience. The unique rule of the last boat to finish losing the race adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability.

David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, emphasized the potential of this new format, stating, "The 2x2 keelboat format opens up new possibilities for the sport, attracting sailors of all ages and skill levels. We are excited to see how this change will invigorate team racing globally, starting with our 2025 and 2026 events in Newport and Stockholm."

Event Structure and Participation

Each edition of the World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships will feature up to 16 teams, each consisting of two boats with a total of six to eight sailors. Importantly, teams must include a balanced mix of genders, with at least two women and two men per boat. The event structure will include qualifying round robins, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finals, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive racing schedule.

The 2025 edition at the New York Yacht Club promises to be a highlight, given the club's rich history in team racing. As a pioneer in the discipline, the NYYC has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Team Race Worlds in 2005 and the Global Team Race Regatta. Their investment in a fleet of 22 Sonars and their role in the evolution of team racing make them an ideal host for the reintroduction of this championship.

Looking Forward: The Future of Team Racing

The revival of the World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships marks a significant moment for the sport, as it returns to the international stage with a modern twist. The introduction of the Team Racing Ranking List, piloted last year, will now play a crucial role in the qualification process, ensuring that only the best teams compete at the championships.

With the support of leading sailing organizations and the enthusiasm of the global sailing community, the 2025 and 2026 World Sailing Open Team Racing Championships are set to inspire a new generation of sailors and reaffirm the sport's vibrant future.

As we look ahead, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable series of events that will shape the next chapter of team racing. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a passionate fan, these championships are not to be missed.