J/24 European Championship coming to Trelleborg Båtsällskap in August
by Monica Persson 4 Apr 11:20 BST
18-23 August 2026
The 2026 J/24 Europeans will be held in Trelleborg, Sweden © Rickard Roth
In August 2026, the international sailing world will turn its attention to Gislövs Läge, just outside Trelleborg. Trelleborgs Båtsällskap will host the J/24 European Championship — one of the world's most established keelboat racing classes — marking the largest event in the club's history. The event is organized in collaboration with local stakeholders and Visit Trelleborg.
Between August 18 and 23, approximately 25-30 boats from several European countries are expected to gather in the harbor for four days of racing in the waters off the coast. Each boat is sailed by a crew of four to five people, with men and women competing together in the same class and under equal conditions.
The racecourse will be set just outside the harbor area in Gislövs Läge, allowing parts of the races to be followed from shore by spectators and visitors.
"This is without a doubt the largest event in the club's history. Hosting a European Championship is a great recognition for our club and all our volunteers," says Anders Mohlin, Chairman of Trelleborgs Båtsällskap.
The municipality also welcomes the event.
"We are proud and very pleased that Trelleborgs Båtsällskap and Trelleborg have been entrusted with welcoming Europe here," says Pehr Palm, CEO of Visit Trelleborg.
How a Race Works
The championship will be decided over four race days, with several races held each day. A single race typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The races are sailed on a so-called windward-leeward course, where boats start together and then follow a set pattern between different marks. First, they sail upwind (windward leg), and then downwind (leeward leg), requiring a high level of tactics, teamwork, and quick decision-making onboard.
The J/24 boat is 7.32 meters (24 feet) long and just over two meters wide, and is known for close, competitive racing where small margins often determine the outcome.
"We look forward to welcoming sailors from across Europe to our coast. Our hope is that both the club and Trelleborg will be even more clearly placed on the international sailing map," says Mohlin.
A Club with a Long History
Trelleborgs Båtsällskap was founded in 1962 and today has around 200 members. The club also hosted the Swedish J/24 Championship in 2023.
The 2026 European Championship will be the largest event in the club's history and will engage a large number of volunteers.
J/24 European Championship 2026 Facts:
- Dates: August 18-23, 2026
- Location: Gislövs Läge, Trelleborg, Sweden
- Number of boats: Approximately 25-30
- Crew: 4-5 people
- Race days: 4
More information will be posted to the club website, www.trelleborgsbs.se