The Etchells World Championship Regatta is coming to San Diego in May 2026
by San Diego Yacht Club 15 Oct 00:35 BST
May 7-15, 2026
Etchells World Championship © Mark Albertazzi
Next spring, the International Etchells Class will descend upon the waters of San Diego, California for the 2026 Etchells World Championship hosted by San Diego Yacht Club May 7 - May 15, 2026. The highly anticipated event is bringing the best of the best from all around the world for 9 days of camaraderie, competition, and top-level racing on the Pacific Ocean.
Etchells World Champion (2000) Vince Brun is one of three regatta chairmen producing the event and invites Etchells sailors from around the world to San Diego. "Join us at the 2026 Etchells Worlds hosted by San Diego Yacht Club and help us celebrate our class most prestigious event. As the newly appointed regatta co-chair I want to personally invite each one of you to be part of history making event, along with great San Diego sailing conditions and southern California hospitality."
The Notice of Race and regatta schedule have been published and registration is open at 2026.etchellsworlds.org.
2026 World Championship Schedule:
- May 7-9: Measurement & Registration
- May 10: Practice Race and Opening Ceremony
- May 11-15: Nine Races scheduled
- May 13: Mid-Week Awards Party
- May 15: Awards Ceremony
Event Co-Chair, Charlie Mann, speaks to the anticipation of the regatta stating, "The 2026 Etchells World Championship will bring a host of the best sailors from around the world to SDYC for 9 days of premier sailing and racing. The fleet will be deep with top professional and Corinthian competitors, and the racing will showcase precise tactics and handling skills that represent the best in strict One Design competition. The Star Worlds at SDYC in 2024 were widely celebrated, in no small part due to volunteer commitment and excellence. The 2026 Etchells Worlds will be another demonstration of how SDYC is unmatched as a home to the best sailing can offer."
Leading into Etchells Worlds is the highly competitive, 12th annual Etchells West Coast Spring Series which brings many local and national sailors to the Etchells fleet's frequently raced San Diego courses, Coronado Roads and the South Bay. The series includes four race weekends in the winter and spring.
2026 West Coast Spring Series
Jan 17-18: Etchells Bill Bennett Cup
Feb 21-22: Etchells Pacific Coast Championship
Mar 27-29: Etchells Midwinters West
Apr 25-26: Etchells Orca Bowl & Pre-Worlds Regatta
www.westcoastspringseries.com
San Diego's local Etchells Fleet 13 is known to make their mark on the West Coast Spring Series and will be utilizing it, alongside the monthly One Design Weekends in 2025, to fine tune their skills going into Worlds. When asked how Fleet 13 stacks up against the competition, Fleet Captain, Ivan Batanov stated "Fleet 13 is one of the largest Etchells fleets in the U.S. and one of the most competitive anywhere. SDYC and Fleet 13 have a long-standing sailing tradition and a deep local talent pool—including Etchells Worlds champions, Olympic medalists, veterans of America's Cup programs, and a large contingent of top-tier Corinthian sailors. That day-in, day-out standard at home sharpens our boat prep, starting, and race-course discipline—and it travels well to the Worlds stage."
Discounted hotel room blocks are available at several hotels walking distance from SDYC. The club is coordinating a set of charter boats available for teams looking to use a local boat for the event. And if you're planning to ship your boat to California, national and international shipping recommendations are available on the event website.
A world class regatta, like the 2026 Etchells World Championship, would not be complete without showcasing both SDYC and the city of San Diego. When asked why he thought San Diego would be the right venue to host this event, Etchells World Champion Erik Shampain said "I'm a firm believer that world championships should be held in places that you can bring the family. It's what brings a lot of the owners and crews in. San Diego has so many features - the downtown is amazing, the aircraft carrier tours, the zoo, the wild animal park, beaches, shopping in La Jolla. It's an amazing city. The venue (SDYC) is beautiful. The sailing is beautiful with the ocean swells. It's almost always sunny. It's almost always blowing 8-12 knots. It's a consistent, amazing place to be and to sail."
San Diego Yacht Club is donating a perpetual trophy for the top all-women's team at the Worlds. SDYC Vice Commodore and 2025 Transpac winning skipper Alli Bell shared that "I am so excited that Fleet 13 is donating an all-women's team trophy to the Etchells Class. Such an award will surely promote women's participation in this event and sport."
Competitors and attendees can look forward to a range of dinners, socials, and other activities. Following the Sunday practice racing, SDYC will host the Opening Ceremony and a "Taste of SDYC" with a variety of San Diego staple dishes served from different stations. Wednesday evening will be a Mid-Week awards ceremony and dinner party, with the final awards ceremony on Friday. A sailors lounge with be available all week long with Etchells class history, sailor amenities and family concierge service available to visitors.
The 2026 Etchells World Championship is certain to be a memorable event and SDYC is looking forward to hosting competitors and their families and friends who will be in attendance to root them on. As Event Co-Chair, Casey Schnoor, eloquently states "SDYC has a proud tradition of hosting world championship-level regattas that go above and beyond expectations. From world-class race management to legendary hospitality and a strong sense of camaraderie, the SDYC experience is second to none — and that legacy continues with the 2026 Etchells Worlds."