Star European Championship returns to Medemblik with a world-class fleet
by ISCYRA 20 Aug 17:01 BST
24-29 August 2026
Star European Championship © ISCYRA
The countdown has begun for the 2026 Star European Championship, which will bring 76 teams from more than 20 countries to Medemblik from 24 to 29 August for one of the most anticipated events of the Star Class season.
Hosted by Star Class Holland, all of the three Dutch fleets (Loosdreck, Holland and Medemblik) and the International Star Class Association at the renowned Regatta Center Medemblik, with race management entrusted to the Royal Netherlands Yacht Club Muiden (KNZ&RV), the championship returns to one of Europe's most celebrated sailing venues exactly 25 years after the 2001 Star World Championship.
The fleet reflects the extraordinary level of competition that continues to define the Star Class. Among the entries are 12 Star World Champions, multiple Olympic medalists, America's Cup sailors and some of the most accomplished keelboat racers in the world.
Leading the entry list is five-time Olympic medalist Robert Scheidt (BRA), one of the greatest sailors in Olympic history. Joining him in the former Star World Champions list are Enrico Chieffi (ITA) - also European title holder, Diego Negri (ITA), Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA), Max Kohlhoff (GER), Eivind Melleby (NOR), George Szabo (USA), Frithjof Kleen (GER), Austin Sperry (USA) Ole Burzinski (GER), Pascal Rambeau (FRA) and Samuel Gonçalves (BRA).
Beyond the racing, the Star European Championship remains a celebration of the unique spirit that has characterized the Class for more than a century. A full social program will accompany the on-water competition, bringing together sailors, families and supporters from around the world and reinforcing the camaraderie that has always distinguished the Star community.
With a fleet featuring World Champions, Olympians, rising young talent and local favorites, the 2026 Star European Championship promises six days of outstanding racing on the IJsselmeer, confirming once again why the Star remains one of the most prestigious and competitive classes in international sailing.
The European Championship also represents a key milestone on the road to the season's final major events: the North American Championship in October and the Star World Championship in Miami this November, where reigning World Champions Paul Cayard (USA) and Frithjof Kleen (GER) will defend the coveted Gold Star.