Stockholm will host the 2026 Team Racing World Championship from 12 to 16 August, with all 12 competing nations now confirmed. New Zealand is among them, heading to the Swedish capital for what will be the first time the championship has been staged in Europe.
The full field is Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, UK, USA 1, and USA 2, representing four continents and 96 sailors in total.
Racing takes place on Riddarfjärden, directly alongside Stockholm City Hall. Spectators can watch from quays, bridges, and elevated viewpoints including Västerbron, Skinnarviksberget, and Norr Mälarstrand, and admission is free.
The event is organised by Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap, which has run the Stockholm International Team Race Regatta annually since 2016. That track record, alongside the city's experience in stadium-style sailing, proved decisive in an international bidding process. Project Manager Magnus Myrenberg welcomed the confirmation of the full field: "That all nations are now confirmed shows the strong international interest in both the championship and Stockholm as a sailing venue. This will be a world championship of the highest calibre, both competitively and in terms of public appeal."
All 12 teams race in identical J/80s across more than 140 matches. Each eight-person national squad must include at least three women and three men, making team racing one of the most genuinely gender-equal formats in the sport.
The reigning Corinthian world champions are already well into their preparations. Skipper Will Bailey acknowledges the challenge of adapting to the equipment: "Racing in J/80s is new for us, so there's been a steep learning curve. Being able to train right in the city, on a harbour course similar to Stockholm, has been incredibly valuable." On the format itself, he's clear about its appeal: "The races are short, intense and incredibly close. Anyone can win any race, which makes it exciting for sailors and spectators alike."
The Sailors' Village at Norr Mälarstrand will serve as the event hub, with race management, media, public areas, cafés, sponsor zones, and grandstands all based there. Try-sailing, radio-controlled sailing, and after-sail events are also planned.
Sustainability is central to the operation, with emission-free transport within Stockholm, support boats running on electricity or biofuel, and food and waste management aligned to the World Sailing Sustainability Framework.
