Hansa World Championship 2027 to be held in France at Sciez-sur-Léman

by Agence TB Press 7 Apr 08:45 BST 1-8 May 2027

The Hansa World Championship, held every two years, will come to France for the first time since its creation in 2007. Set on the shores of Europe's largest lake, at Sciez-sur-Léman from May 1 to 8, 2027, this international event will welcome more than 200 boats, 40 nations, and nearly 600 able-bodied and disabled participants.

Organised by the Hansa Class and the Sciez-sur-Léman Nautical Base, the Hansa World Championship is a sporting, inclusive, responsible and convivial event. With nearly 600 participants from 40 countries, the first week of May will shine a spotlight on this committed and resolutely international event.

The Hansa World Championship: an inclusive event

The Hansa World Championships is a major international competition bringing together the best sailors competing on Hansa class boats — a fleet particularly renowned for its accessibility, stability and inclusive philosophy. The championship attracts sailors of all levels and abilities, with or without disabilities, making it a unique event in the world of sailing. Hansa boats were designed to allow everyone to sail on equal terms, regardless of their abilities.

The Hansa class comprises three light dinghies: the Hansa 2.3, the smallest and simplest; the Hansa 303 (single or double-handed), the most popular in competition; and the Hansa Liberty, a higher-performance monotype for experienced sailors.

For Gilles PARIAT, President of the Hansa class and organiser of the World Championship: "The first Hansa sailing world championship to be held in France marks a historic milestone for our sport and for inclusion. It is a magnificent challenge: bringing together sailors from around the world on the water and highlighting their differences — visible or invisible — as well as their determination, simplicity and profound humanity. Beyond the competition itself, which will showcase their racing talents, this championship embodies strong values of sharing and equality, while affirming France's place as a major player in the development of parasailing at an international level. This major sporting and human event represents a challenge for the Hansa France class, but above all a unique opportunity to share a singular atmosphere, full of joy and commitment. One word sums it up: HANSATITUDE."

Sciez-sur-Léman: sailing on Europe's largest lake

Located on the edge of the Alpine massif and Lake Geneva, between Thonon-les-Bains and Geneva, Sciez-sur-Léman has a climate influenced by the surrounding mountains and the lake, which creates a microclimate giving the town mild weather throughout the year. Lake Geneva is characterised by two main wind patterns: the Bise, blowing from the north-east, and the Vent, most often from the south-west. In the absence of synoptic winds, a thermal breeze pattern sets in.

"The commune of Sciez-sur-Léman is very happy and extremely proud to host the Hansa World Championships in May 2027. This is a tremendous opportunity for France, the Haute-Savoie département, and the entire Thonon Agglomération and Chablais region. If this has been made possible, it is thanks to the enormous work carried out over many years by the Sciez Nautical Base, its staff and volunteers, in welcoming and training people with disabilities — work that has made them a benchmark in this field. They have also demonstrated their capacity to organise major and beautiful events, such as the French double-handed parasailing championships on Hansa in 2023, followed by the Blind Sailing World Championships in 2024, which left wonderful memories for all participants. We look forward to welcoming all the crews who will come from around the world, and who will discover the warm atmosphere and hospitality we promise them at the foot of the Alps, on the magnificent Lake Geneva!" says Cyril DEMOLIS, Mayor of Sciez.

The expected events

More than 6 international races make up the Hansa World Championship, with the French Hansa Championship also taking place alongside them. Events are held either solo or double-handed, for able-bodied, disabled, or mixed able-bodied/disabled crews:

• Hansa 2.3 solo
• Hansa 303 solo
• Hansa 303 double-handed
• Hansa Liberty - Full Servo
• Assisted Hansa Liberty

"I am very much looking forward to the Hansa World Championship in Sciez in 2027. At every major championship, we see a large and diverse fleet coming together, which truly reflects the strength and global reach of the Hansa Class. I have full confidence in the organising team, who are doing everything possible to welcome as many sailors as possible from all around the world. Racing on Lake Geneva provides a spectacular and challenging setting, with its unique conditions and beautiful surroundings. I look forward to seeing many of you there in Sciez and sharing another great championship together.", expresses Vera Voorbach, International Hansa Class Association President.

Participants are expected to arrive from late April to allow them to familiarise themselves with the sailing area. Racing will begin on May 1 and conclude on May 8 with the prize-giving ceremony. The organisers are currently actively seeking partners to support them in delivering this international event.