Defending Champions Return as USA Names Its Teams for Team Racing Worlds 2026
The line-up for the World Sailing 2026 Team Racing World Championship in Stockholm is beginning to take shape, with the United States now confirming its teams following announcements from Finland and Denmark.
Two American teams have now been confirmed for the championship, which will be sailed on Riddarfjärden in Stockholm from 12–16 August 2026: the reigning world champions Corinthian YC Mistral and Baldwin Cup winners Newport Harbor YC Thunder.
Corinthian YC Mistral earned the right to defend their title after triumphing at last year’s Worlds in Newport, hosted by New York Yacht Club. Their return adds a clear storyline to Stockholm: can the champions repeat the feat on European waters? Newport Harbor YC Thunder arrive with momentum of their own after a hard-fought victory at the demanding Baldwin Cup earlier this year.
With eleven nations set to compete, national selections are now taking shape. Finland and Denmark have also named their teams, while host nation Sweden will field a crew from GSYS, to be decided through two qualification regattas in May.
For several countries, including Denmark, Finland, New Zealand and Japan, the Stockholm event will mark their first appearance in this open-format Team Racing World Championship, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already intense competition.
Qualification regattas for the remaining nations will continue through the spring, with all teams and skippers to be confirmed by 1 June. By then, the full line-up for one of sailing’s most fast-paced and tactical world championships will be complete.
With up to 150 races planned over four days in J/80s, close quarters racing in the heart of Stockholm is guaranteed—and the road to the world title has officially begun.
Facts: World Sailing 2026 Team Racing World Championship
Dates: 12–16 August 2026
Venue: Riddarfjärden, Stockholm
Twelve teams from eleven nations
One host team from GSYS
Each team consists of eight sailors, with at least three of each gender
Approximately 140–150 races planned over four days, sailed in J/80 boats