Punta del Este, Chicago and Istanbul: J/70 International Class announces 2028 Championships

Punta del Este, Chicago and Istanbul J/70 International Class announces 2028 Championships © J/70 International Class Association

The J/70 International Class World Council has confirmed the following 2028 Championships:

• J/70 Corinthian World Championship: Punta del Este, Uruguay, Yacht Club Punta del Este, 19-25 November 2028
• J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship: Chicago, USA, Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station, 23-27 May 2028 (dates to be confirmed)
• J/70 European Championship: Istanbul, Türkiye, Turkish Offshore Sailing Club, Fenerbahçe-Kalamis Marina, 22-30 July 2028

These Championships add to the 2028 program, which already includes the J/70 Open World Championship to be hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo Italy.

Martin Dent, President of the IJ70CA, said: "The Championship pipeline for J/70 sailors is stacked - 2028 will be yet another huge year. No other Class offers so much; not only the three World Championships (Open, Corinthian or Mixed) but three Continental Championships (European, North and South American), and each of these in bucket list venues with sailing conditions for great racing."

Corinthian World Championship: Punta del Este, Uruguay

Founded in 1924, Yacht Club Punta del Este is an epic race venue having hosted many World Championships and several J/70 South American Championships. The stunning waters of Maldonado Bay, sheltered by Gorriti Island, typically have easterly breezes of 12-14 knots in November, with the occasional Pampero bringing planing conditions. For teams from Europe and North America, it's summer sailing just as winter arrives at home. Charter boats will be available. This World Championship will be the fifth edition of the Corinthian World Championship, which restricts all crew participants to those who hold World Sailing Group 1 Classifications. Corinthian teams make up the vast majority of the J/70 Class worldwide, so this Championship is fiercely contested and has emerged as being of equal, if not more, significance to the Class than the Open World Championship.

Pedro Garra, President of Uruguay National Class Association said: "We are honoured to be the host of the 2028 CWC at the Yacht Club Punta del Este, the club that introduced the J/70 in the South Atlantic in 2015. The Bay of Maldonado is a wonderful sailing spot, with a variety of sailing conditions that everybody will enjoy."

Mixed Plus World Championship: Chicago, USA

The Mixed Plus World Championship comes to the USA for the first time, and will be the fourth edition of the Championship, following Lake Garda in 2025, Copenhagen 2026 and Naples, Italy in 2027. The format has proved to be extremely popular, attracting international fields from c.20 countries, large fleet sizes stacked with elite sailors, former Olympians and due to the format, at least 50% of the sailors being female. Chicago Yacht Club delivers racing on Lake Michigan known for 6-15 knot breezes and tactical lake-breeze shifts. Charter boats will be available, and Chicago is served by two international airports, making it an easy and attractive venue for international teams.

Martin Dent, President of the IJ70CA, said: "Chicago is the perfect venue to be the first US host of the Mixed-Plus Worlds. Racing on Lake Michigan, straight in front of downtown Chicago, is an amazing experience - a freshwater lake that feels like an ocean with the amazing backdrop of the city skyline. Having the chance to explore the great city will be a superb bonus for all competitors."

European Championship: Istanbul, Türkiye

The European J/70 Championship is very much a major International Championship - previous editions have felt like a World Championship, historically attracting top international teams in fleet sizes of up to 115, with regularly in excess of 20 countries represented. The Championship has moved around Europe, and now for the first time, Turkey is the host. The Championship will be raced from Fenerbahçe-Kalamis, on the Sea of Marmara. In July, the northerly "Poyraz" typically blows 10-20 knots over relatively flat water, which is ideal for J/70 planing conditions. Off the water, this venue offers a great destination for culture, food and hospitality: Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents. The event has already secured sponsorship including subsidised ferry services to move boats and cars from Europe, and charter boats will be available.

Emir Icgoren, President of J/70 Türkiye, commented: "Hosting the 2028 J/70 European Championship in Istanbul is a proud moment for the Turkish J/70 Class and an important milestone for sailing in Türkiye. Since establishing the J/70 Class in Türkiye in 2016, we have worked hard to build a strong and competitive fleet, develop our sailors and become an active part of the International J/70 community. Bringing the European Championship to Istanbul is the result of these efforts and a wonderful opportunity to welcome the International J/70 family to our home waters. Our ambition is to deliver a world-class championship, combining competitive racing with the unique atmosphere and hospitality of Istanbul. We look forward to welcoming teams from across Europe and beyond for an unforgettable week of sailing."

When addressing the World Council, Erman Ayvaz, Vice President of J/70 Türkiye, added: "We have been coming to race with you for years. Now it's time to invite all of you to race with us."