València and Real Club Náutico de Valencia awarded the 2028 ORC World Championship
by Pep Portas 2 Nov 18:31 GMT
15 June - 15 July 2028
València and the Real Club Náutico de Valencia (RCNV) have been selected to host the 2028 ORC World Championship, one of the major international events in offshore and inshore yacht racing.
The decision recognises the Club's organisational capabilities and the sporting, technical and logistical conditions that València offers for hosting a world-class sailing competition.
València has a proven track record of hosting major international events in offshore and inshore yacht racing. In July 2014, the city hosted the ORC European Championship. Ten years later, in 2024, the Real Club Náutico de Valencia hosted the ORC Sportboat European Championship, with both events held as part of the SM La Reina Trophy. The city also hosted the Swan Nations League World Championship in 2022.
The bid presentation took place on Sunday in Las Palmas, where Stéphane Eyme, General Manager of the Real Club Náutico de Valencia, and Pedro Quiroga, Sports Director, presented and defended the project. Toni Garcés, the Club's Offshore Sailing representative, also attended the meeting, which was held as part of the annual ORC meeting.
The 2028 ORC World Championship is provisionally scheduled to take place between 15 June and 15 July 2028, although the final dates have yet to be confirmed. This timeframe will allow the Club to assess the championship's place in its sporting calendar and coordinate the event with the SM La Reina Trophy, traditionally held in July. Adjustments of a few days to the Trophy's usual dates have not been ruled out in order to facilitate the organisation of both events.
Stéphane Eyme, General Manager of the Real Club Náutico de Valencia, highlighted the significance of the award:
"The selection of València and the Real Club Náutico de Valencia as hosts of the 2028 ORC World Championship is recognition of the Club's organisational capabilities and the work that has gone into preparing a strong bid. Our proposal brings together the sporting, technical and logistical requirements needed to host a championship of this scale, while further strengthening València's presence on the international sailing calendar."
Pedro Quiroga, Sports Director of the RCNV, added:
"Hosting an ORC World Championship represents a major sporting and organisational challenge. We have the experience of the Club and the infrastructure available in València to deliver a competition of this calibre. Our priority will be to provide the competing crews and their support teams with the best possible conditions to compete at the highest level."
Organising the World Championship will represent a significant sporting and logistical undertaking for the Real Club Náutico de Valencia. The Club will make its facilities, nautical infrastructure and extensive experience in hosting major sailing events available to the championship.
With this award, València further strengthens its position as an international venue for offshore and inshore yacht racing, while the Real Club Náutico de Valencia adds the 2028 ORC World Championship to its portfolio of major international sailing events.