Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit 2026 Set for Biggest Season Yet

by Tor Tomlinson Cheney 18 Mar 14:42 GMT

The Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit returns in 2026 with its biggest and most competitive season yet, bringing together a fleet of 21 international teams for a summer of high-performance one-design racing across some of the Mediterranean's most iconic sailing venues.

Following a thrilling 2025 season, the circuit continues its rapid growth with a five-event series that will once again combine elite competition, professional race management, stunning venues and a vibrant social atmosphere. With returning front-runners, exciting new owners and growing international interest in the class, the 2026 season promises to be another major step forward for Cape 31 racing in the region.

Among the standout teams returning to the start line is Alessandro Rombelli's Stig, the reigning 2025 Mediterranean Circuit champion. With the benchmark now firmly set and the fleet continuing to strengthen, the 2026 season looks set to deliver another year of exceptionally close racing where consistency across the series will be key.

"The 2026 Mediterranean circuit is shaping up to be the biggest and most competitive Cape 31 season we've seen so far," said Tor Tomlinson Cheney, Cape 31 MED Class Manager. "It's fantastic to see how quickly the fleet is growing in the region, with an incredible lineup of teams joining the circuit. With a world-class race management team, great venues and strong media coverage, we're really excited about what promises to be our most exciting season yet."

World-Class Mediterranean Venues

The 2026 circuit will visit five outstanding venues across the season:

• Porto Cervo - YCCS 24-26 April

• Marina Di Puntaldia 15-17 May

• Marina De Bonifacio 5-7 June

• Scarlino - Yacht Club Toscana 10-12 July

• Hyères - COYCH 24-26 September

These venues will provide the perfect backdrop for a circuit that continues to establish itself as one of Europe's premier high-performance keelboat series.

Event Format Designed for Performance

Each event on the circuit will follow a format designed to maximize both preparation and performance, while also maintaining the strong sense of community that has become a hallmark of the class:

• 1-2 days of training, managed by teams and their coaches
• 3 days of racing, delivering tight one-design competition
• Refreshments after racing each day
• A crew party at every event

This proven format gives teams time to prepare properly, race hard, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that continues to make the Cape 31 fleet so attractive to owners and sailors alike.

Professional Race Management

The 2026 circuit will feature a highly professional race management setup, with Mattias Dahlström serving as Race Officer. Mattais will be working alongside the race teams of each club/venue to bring us some awesome racing.

Dahlström brings extensive experience from the high-performance sailing world, having spent many years as Race Officer and Class Manager for the M32 class. His background in managing fast, tightly matched fleets makes him ideally suited to the Cape 31 circuit, where precision, consistency and an understanding of performance racing are essential.

He has also been involved in the development of the Vakaros system in these classes, and that technology will play an important role throughout the circuit in supporting race management and delivering accurate performance data.

"I'm delighted to be joining the Cape 31 Class and to be working with such a strong and growing fleet," said Mattais Dahlstrom, newly appointed Race Officer. "It's always great to meet both old and new faces on the racecourse, and this circuit promises a fantastic level of competition. It will also be an interesting season with the introduction of innovations such as automated OCS calls, and I'm very much looking forward to getting started in Porto Cervo."

An international measurer will also be present to ensure strict adherence to the Cape 31 one-design rule across the fleet.

Capturing the Action

Professional sailing media team Sailing Energy will be at every event, bringing world-class coverage to the circuit and capturing the intensity of the racing on and off the water.

Their presence throughout the season will help showcase not only the action on the racecourse, but also the scale, energy and momentum behind the Cape 31 class in the Mediterranean.

2026 Fleet

The teams currently entered for the 2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit are:

Adrenaline
Aspire
Black Battalion
Black Pearl
Black Seal
Django
Eker
Firstings
G Spot
Gecko
Halbtrocken
Hatari
Hull 51 (name TBC)
K-Force Jr
Kalantis
La Pericolosa
Motions
Shotgunn
Squirt
Stella Maris
Stig

Building Momentum for Another Landmark Season

With a growing fleet, exceptional venues, strong logistical support, world-class race management and a packed international entry list, the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit 2026 is set to be the biggest and best season yet for the class in the region.

Combining close racing, professional delivery and a strong social scene, the circuit continues to attract top-level teams and reinforce the Cape 31's reputation as one of the most exciting modern one-design classes on the water.

Further announcements and event details will follow in the lead-up to the season.