Star World Championship presented by Schoonmaker Foundation opens in Miami
by International Star Class Yacht Racing Association 9 Nov 06:12 GMT
November 8-14, 2026
Star World Championship presented by Schoonmaker Foundation opens in Miami © International Star Class Yacht Racing Association / Matias Capizzano
The 2026 Star World Championship Presented by Schoonmaker officially opened on Sunday in Miami, with 95 teams representing 17 nations gathering at Coral Reef Yacht Club for one of the most anticipated events on the international sailing calendar.
The championship kicked off with the traditional practice race on Biscayne Bay, giving competitors a final opportunity to fine-tune their boats and prepare for six days of racing. The Opening Ceremony brought sailors, officials and guests together to celebrate the start of the 2026 World Championship.
Among the competitors are some of the biggest names in international sailing, including 23 former Star World Champions, Olympic medalists and America's Cup veterans. Leading the fleet are defending champions Paul Cayard (USA) and Frithjof Kleen (GER), who return to Biscayne Bay after winning the 99th Bacardi Cup earlier this year. They will face fierce competition from an exceptional lineup of sailing legends, including Robert Scheidt (BRA), Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL), Diego Negri (ITA) and many more, all ready to battle for the coveted Gold Star.
For Paul Cayard, President of the International Star Class, the championship represents everything that makes the Star one of sailing's most enduring and competitive classes.
"We're on the eve of another amazing championship in the greatest class in the sport of sailing. There's no doubt that the battle for the Gold Star will be incredibly competitive and challenging, and that's exactly what we love about the Star Class. I want to thank Coral Reef Yacht Club, the Commodore, the Race Committee and all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. A special thank you also goes to the Schoonmaker Foundation for its generous support, which has helped make this championship more accessible to competitors."
First introduced in 1911, the Star has remained at the forefront of international one-design sailing for more than a century, combining technical precision, tactical racing and a unique tradition that continues to attract sailors across generations.
Championship racing begins tomorrow, Monday, November 9, with the first warning signal scheduled for 11:55 PM. One race per day is scheduled through Saturday, November 14, when the 2026 Star World Champions will be crowned.
With an outstanding fleet assembled and everything in place at Coral Reef Yacht Club, the stage is set for an exciting week of Star sailing on Biscayne Bay.
Find out more on the event website, worlds.starchampionships.org