The iconic sailing venue in the west coast of Europe will receive the premier event of the fastest growing modern one-design Class in the world. The J/70 Executive Committee has awarded the hosting of the twelfth J/70 World Championships to Cascais, Portugal in 2026. The Championship will take place between the 28th of August to the 5th of September 2026, and will be hosted by Clube Naval de Cascais (CNC). Worldwide-recognized Clube Naval de Cascais, in its 85th anniversary this year, has a wealth of experience in organizing prime international regattas such as the TP52 Super Series, RC44 Championship Tour, Extreme Sailing Series, ISAF Worlds and several other world-class events. The J/70 is the fastest growing one-design Class in the world with 1,800 boats built and competing around the globe. Over 120 teams from more than 30 countries coming from the five continents are expected to compete at the 2026 J/70 Worlds. Vittorio Di Mauro, President of the International Class Association, said “Cascais is a leading venue for sailing and a seasoned organizer of top events. Their sailing conditions are recognized worldwide and appreciated!” “Our work has been to bring major sailing events to Cascais. Last year alone, we had the TP52s Worlds, M32 Worlds, Snipe Worlds, 6Meter Europeans, a RC44 tour stop—all this beyond our normal national calendar,” commented Goncalo Esteves, President of Clube Naval de Cascais “The J/70 is the Class of the moment, and this is the event that everyone wants. We are very happy, and we will make it great.”
“J/70s and Cascais were the perfect match just waiting to happen. And now it is happening!” stated Vasco Serpa, founder of SailCascais, a key promoter of the Class locally. “We are developing the Class in Portugal and are launching a Winter Series circuit already this year in Cascais. We see the local fleet growing to 20 boats over the next year.” Regarding the selection of Cascais to host the Worlds, he added, “Local sailing conditions are capable of delivering one of the most exciting events ever for the Class. The race management can always choose and switch from the strong breeze and Atlantic surfing swell of the outer racecourse to the more shifty and choppy conditions of the inner course area. This will keep the fleet challenged and the competition alive.” He concluded, “We are really excited and very much looking forward to welcoming the J/70 family in Cascais, as soon as this Winter. We are ready!.”