Cannes awaits as the RS21 World Championship heads to France for the first time. With less than two months to go and entries now open, the RS21 International Class is counting down to the fifth edition of the Worlds, taking place from 28-31 October at the prestigious Yacht Club de Cannes.
Located in the heart of the French Riviera, Cannes offers the perfect backdrop for the championship, combining world-class hospitality, glamorous restaurants and shops with a sophisticated yachting culture. Its Mediterranean setting, stunning scenery and vibrant culture also promise plenty for sailors to enjoy away from the racecourse.
“We’re excited to be heading to this prime sailing destination for the RS21 Worlds 2026,” says RS21 International Class Manager Liam Willis.
“The luxury of the French Riviera, alongside the premium racing facilities at the Yacht Club de Cannes, will deliver the high-end racing experience we’ve come to expect from the RS21 class.”
A World-Class Fleet Takes Shape
The RS21 International Class is expecting a fleet of around 50 boats, with a strong line-up of international teams anticipated to compete.
2025 World Champions ‘Les Freaks’ (HKG 295), helmed by Marco Pocci, will be defending their title, while current UK & Ireland National Champions ‘Tiga Tiger’ (GBR 341), helmed by Tom Hewitson, will be among the teams looking to challenge for the championship.
The 2026 European Champions ‘Arvenis’ will also be in Cannes following a dominant performance at the RS Games 2026.
The strong Italian contingent will include ‘T-Rex’ (ITA 161), owned by Marco Giannini and the 2025 Corinthian World Champions, as well as ‘Magique et Terrible’ (ITA 230), helmed by Malika Bellomi, the 2025 Women’s World Champion.
“We’ve been told by Nico, our French RS distributor at RS Sailing France, to watch out for some strong local French youth sailors entering the Under 23 category,” adds Liam. “They could certainly give the Italian youth teams a run for their money!”
With the RS21 fleet continuing to grow year-on-year, the 2026 World Championship is expected to welcome teams from across the globe, with representation already anticipated from Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Monaco, Hong Kong, Georgia, Australia and Canada, with hopes that a team from the USA will also make the trip to Cannes.
Premium Racing, On and Off the Water
The championship promises a premium racing experience, with the Yacht Club de Cannes providing the venue and facilities while the RS21 International Class brings its own experienced Principal Race Officer (PRO) and MarkSetBot autonomous race marks.
Professional media coverage will be provided by Code Zero Digital, while the Vakaros race management system will support the sailors.
Away from the racecourse, competitors can look forward to a full social programme, including Après Sail food and drinks, daily prizegivings, the championship dinner and the final podium presentation with plenty of champagne sprays the class is known for.
Entries, Charters and More Information
For more information, including registration, the entry list, and championship noticeboard, visit the RS21 International Class website.
Charters, supplied by RS Sailing, are nearly sold out, with the final boats available through RS Sailing Club.
“We want everyone who can to come and be part of this one,” says Liam. “It’s the first time the RS21 Worlds has come to France, and Cannes is going to be a fantastic stage for the class. We’re looking forward to seeing a big, international fleet on the start line, enjoying some seriously competitive racing and everything that Cannes has to offer. And, of course, we’re already looking further ahead – because after France, the Worlds are heading to the UK in 2027 for another first for the RS21 class. For now, we’ll see you in Cannes!”
