Scheveningen introduces practical incentives to ease entry for 2026 ORC Double-Handed Worlds

Scheveningen introduces practical incentives to ease entry for 2026 ORC Double-Handed Worlds © Offshore Racing Congress

The organizing authority of the 2026 ORC Double-Handed World Championship in Scheveningen is introducing a series of practical support measures designed to make participation easier and more accessible for both the Dutch ORC Club fleet and international IRC teams planning to compete in next year's championship.

Developed in cooperation with Noordzeeclub and Koninklijk Nederlands Watersport Verbond, the new initiatives focus on simplifying the transition to ORCi certification, reducing preparation costs, and giving teams more flexibility in the months leading up to the championship.

With growing international interest already building for the event in Scheveningen, the organizers want to ensure that administrative and logistical barriers do not prevent teams from joining one of offshore sailing's most competitive double-handed championships.

"Our goal is simple: make it easier for more teams to compete at the highest level of double-handed offshore racing," says Edwin Lodder, Regatta Director at Jachtclub Scheveningen.

Three practical incentives for participants

1. Affordable ORCi certification measuring

   The first measure addresses one of the key technical requirements for participation: obtaining an ORCi certificate. Boats currently sailing under ORC Club or IRC certificates can now benefit from a special ORCi certification service offered at a reduced cost of €150, significantly below the usual certification expense. This initiative is intended to support teams making the transition to the ORC international rule required for the world championship.

2. Extended Early Bird entry

   The second measure gives teams additional planning time. The Early Bird entry deadline has been extended by one month, allowing crews to benefit from the €150 entry fee discount until 1 April 2026, instead of the original 1 March deadline. This extension gives competitors more time to organize measurements, finalize logistics, and complete registration.

3. 50% discount on harbour fees

   A third practical incentive supports early arrivals in the host harbour. Teams bringing their boats to Scheveningen ahead of the championship will receive a 50% discount on harbour fees from the moment of arrival until the start of the event, helping crews who wish to arrive early for measurement, preparation, and training on the North Sea.

Encouraging early planning

The organizers encourage both Dutch and international teams to make contact as early as possible if they intend to participate and make use of the certification support program.

Early expressions of interest will help the organizing team plan measurement capacity, inspection schedules, and certificate processing efficiently in the lead-up to the championship.

The 2026 ORC Double-Handed World Championship will be hosted by Jachtclub Scheveningen in cooperation with Offshore Racing Congress - ORC in Scheveningen from 18 to 25 May 2026 as part of the North Sea Regatta, with offshore racing on the North Sea and participation already confirmed from several leading European double-handed teams.

Registration, Notice of Race, and event information are available at: orc.org/dhworlds2026