J80 fleet set for the opening round of the 2026–2027 Winter Series in València
by Pep Portas 2 Oct 19:47 BST
3-4 October 2026
J80 Winter Series in València © Pep Portas / RCNV
The 2026-2027 season gets under way this weekend at the Real Club Náutico de Valencia, with close to 20 teams, six races scheduled and defending champions Solgreen back to lead the charge in a competitive national and international fleet.
The J80 fleet is ready to get the 2026-2027 Winter Series under way this weekend, October 3-4, at the Real Club Náutico de Valencia (RCNV) in València. Close to 20 teams are expected on the starting line for the opening round, with six races scheduled across the two days, three on Saturday and three on Sunday.
Weather conditions could have a significant influence on the opening weekend. Saturday is expected to bring a greater chance of light rain, mainly during the early hours, while conditions should improve on Sunday, with less likelihood of precipitation. The Race Committee will adjust the racing programme according to the wind and sea conditions.
On the sporting front, defending champions Solgreen return to the series looking to retain their title after winning last season's Winter Series. Ars-Sonum will be among the teams targeting the top positions after finishing runner-up last season. The team also claimed the Winter Series title two seasons ago.
The Winter Series features seven events between October and April. After this weekend's opening round, the fleet will return to the water on November 14-15, followed by the January 16-17 event after the December break. February will feature two rounds, on February 6-7 and 27-28, before the penultimate event on March 13-14. The season will conclude on April 24-25.
The starting line-up will include teams from several Spanish clubs, among them Real Club Náutico de Madrid, Real Club Náutico de Gran Canaria, Club Náutico de Vinaròs, Real Club Náutico de Castellón, Club Nàutic S'Arenal and Real Club de Regatas de Alicante. The international fleet will be represented by Dutch team HJC.
With six races on the programme for the opening weekend, the first overall standings of the season will begin to take shape in València. With seven events making up the series, consistency across the fleet and race by race will be crucial in the fight for the 2026-2027 Winter Series title.