SB20 World Championship 2026 in Hyères - Impressive growth in participation
by Patsy Sarly 9 Oct 14:54 BST
19-23 October 2026
Ed Russo helming at the 2019 Worlds in Hyères © Pierrick Contin
Despite a di6icult market for participation rates of sport boat regattas, the SB20 Class is
leading by example with an impressive 25% growth rate in participation at the 2026
World Championship in Hyères France versus the past 7-year average.
In addition, the
70+ boat entry list is a record for the class since 2017 when the Worlds were in Cowes at
the Royal Squadron. There will be 18 nations present from 5 di6erent continents.
Scott Glanville, the SB20 Class President explains this impressive growth due to
multiple factors: "We started 3 years ago with a strategy to grow significantly the
participation numbers at the 2026 Worlds. Decisions were made throughout this 2-3 year
period that were consistent with this strategy.
Secondly, with the arrival of Devoti Sailing
as the manufacturer and distributor in late 2024, new boat production and spare part
availability has facilitated recruiting new members and building fleets with new boats.
Thirdly, we've invested heavily in supporting Youth teams and we expect to have a record
number of teams U25 at this Worlds in 2026.
A final point, the 7-year average includes entries from UAE and RUS/BLR with the former
numbers off this year because of the Iran war and the latter numbers at zero because of
the restriction in France where these athletes cannot participate in regattas on the
French territory.
Despite these two negative headwinds, we've delivered on our 3-year
strategic plan, and we will continue to build on this strategy for the 2027 World
Championship in Torbay, GBR."
A WORLD-CLASS SAILING VENUE
Hosted by COYCH - Espace Nautique in Hyères, the championship returns to a
venue with a long-standing reputation for international sailing. The Olympic
Regatta "Semaine Olympique Francaise (SOF)" in Hyères is one of the 5 grand
slams known worldwide by all Olympic sailors.
Hyères is well known for its
strong winds, the Mistral winds which were present 3 days during the Worlds in
2013 and the easterly breeze which can also easily challenge the Mistral with
over 20 knots.
WHEN THE RACING ENDS, THE FUN BEGINS
Every evening after racing, competitors will come together for a program of
themed pasta parties, lotteries for prizes and wine tasting. The region around
Hyères has many wine domains and two of these will be offering visits and wine
tasting throughout the event. And what better way to finish of the day on the
water with a physiotherapist session offered to all the competitors.
The championship begins on 16 October with measurement and registrations,
followed by the practice race and Opening Ceremony on 18 October.
A total of 13 races are scheduled from the 19th of October through the 23rd, with a
maximum of four races planned per day.
Hyères is ready. The stage is set for a week of world-class racing.