ORC Europeans build momentum as Klaipeda unveils hospitality program & early registration incentives
by Offshore Racing Congress 7 Feb 15:20 GMT
7-15 August 2026
2025 Kuršiu mariu regata - Curonian Lagoon Regatta © Domas Rimeika
Special hospitality offers have been announced for teams registered for the ORC European Championship 2026, with the host city of Klaipeda extending a warm welcome to visiting sailors through discounted accommodation and dining options.
In addition, organizers have confirmed a special welcome gift for the first 20 teams registering from abroad: a traditional Lithuanian dinner for the entire crew.
"We are pleased to announce that accommodation and dining offers specifically designed for registered ORC Europeans participants are now available," said Mantas Klimantavicius, Head of the Organizing Committee. "Most of the accommodation options are centrally located, within walking distance or a short ride from the yacht club, and come with generous discounts. The listed dining venues offer a wide selection of cuisines. Klaipeda is a truly hospitable city, and I hope participants will discover it not only as an excellent venue for offshore racing, but also as a future cruising destination."
All special accommodation offers are now published on the ORC Europeans 2026 website and are available exclusively to registered teams.
The first 20 foreign teams to register will receive an additional welcome gift: an authentic Lithuanian dinner for the whole crew. This culinary experience is designed to introduce visiting sailors to traditional local flavours, including iconic dishes such as cepelinai-potato dumplings filled with meat and famously satisfying after a long day on the water-as well as the refreshing cold beetroot soup, a summer favourite in Lithuania.
Registration for the ORC Europeans 2026 is open via the Manage2Sail platform.
"Beyond the special offers already announced, we are preparing an exceptional shoreside program," Klimantavicius added. "The event will open with a celebration of Lithuanian culture, followed by A-level concerts featuring internationally recognized performers and a truly festive atmosphere throughout the week. The regatta village will offer entertainment, educational activities, and dedicated relaxation areas, ensuring an engaging experience not only for sailors, but also for their families and children."
"I encountered a professional team of event organisers in Klaipeda," said Ecky von der Mosel, ORC Deputy Chairman. "They enjoy the event and will do a great job both on the water and on land. I'm really looking forward to it!"
The championship promises to be a standout event, combining high-level offshore racing with a rich cultural experience ashore. Klaipeda offers a centrally located marina in a vibrant historic old town founded in 1252, alongside a full-week race village program for sailors and spectators alike. The event will also mark the celebration of 100 years of offshore sailing in Lithuania, highlighted by a proud maritime heritage that includes more than 40 Cape Horners, multiple round-the-world passages, participation in The Ocean Race and The Ocean Race Europe, and landmark projects such as the Millennium Odyssey, as well as ownership and campaigns with both VO60 and VO65 yachts.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just across the lagoon from Klaipeda and accessible by both land and water.
Confidence in the upcoming championship is also shared by neighboring Estonia. The Estonian team Jazz (First 35), helmed by Tarmo End, said they did not hesitate to enter the Europeans in Klaipeda, noting that some Estonian sailing teams have repeatedly competed in the Lithuanian ORC Championship during the Kuršiu mariu regata and consistently returned with outstanding impressions. Combining strong sporting competition, excellent organization, and the vibrant spirit of a Baltic summer festival, Klaipeda has proven itself a venue sailors are eager to revisit—strengthening their belief that the ORC Europeans, organized by the same experienced team, will deliver a highly successful championship.
Further details of the shoreside program will be announced in the coming months. The latest updates about ORC Europeans 2026 can be followed via the event's official Facebook and Instagram channels.
The ORC European Championship 2026 will take place in Klaipeda, Lithuania, from August 7-15, 2026. The ORC European Championship 2026 is organised by the Lithuanian Yachting Union (LYU), under the authority of the Lithuanian Yachting Union (LYU) and under the overall authority of the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC).
For the Notice of Race, Registration, Entry List and complete event information, visit: orc.org/europeans2026
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2026 ORC European Championship in Klaipeda, Lithuania: