Tampa Bay to welcome 79 boats for the 2026 A-Class Catamaran World Championship
by Davis Island Yacht Club 22 Oct 07:25 PDT
November 4-6 & 9-14, 2026
A potential podium position could await Lamberto Cesari ITA 13, if he can crack his occasional gear failure gremlins in the Open fleet © Gordon Upton / www.guppypix.com
International field will feature two racing divisions, top-ranked sailors and the debut of a new American-built catamaran design
Davis Island Yacht Club will host the 2026 A-Class Catamaran World Championship November 9-14, bringing 79 boats and competitors representing 11 international associations to Tampa Bay for one of the premier events in A-Class sailing.
The championship will feature two divisions: the Open fleet, with 18 high-performance foiling catamarans, and the Classic fleet, with 61 non-foiling boats. The two divisions showcase different approaches to the same demanding sport, where sailors compete alone aboard lightweight catamarans that reward precision, boat handling and tactical decision-making.
In the Open fleet, sailors use hydrofoils to lift their boats above the water, reducing drag and allowing them to reach remarkable speeds. Classic boats remain in contact with the water and rely on efficient hull designs, sail handling and strategy. Tampa Bay’s sailing conditions will put both approaches to the test.
The international field includes former world champions, national champions and experienced competitors from North America, Europe and Australia. Among the sailors to watch are American Ravi Parent, the 2022 A-Class world champion and reigning U.S. champion in the Open fleet, and Polish sailor Jacek Noetzel, who returns to defend his Classic world title. The Classic fleet will also feature Australian Andrew Landenberger, a multiple Olympic medalist and three-time A-Class world champion.
Tampa-area sailors will have a chance to compete on familiar waters, with local favorites among the American entries. The event also marks an opportunity for visiting competitors to experience Tampa Bay’s sailing community and the conditions that make the region an appealing destination for competitive sailing.
Another highlight is the anticipated debut of the Lynx, a new American-designed and American-built Classic A-Class catamaran. Developed by Fast Forward Composites of Bristol, Rhode Island, with input from experienced sailors and class experts, the design represents a new entry in the highly specialized A-Class boat market.
The championship follows the Admiral’s Cup, a three-day warm-up regatta scheduled for November 4-6. The preliminary event gives sailors time to tune their boats and prepare for the world championship.
Davis Island Yacht Club, located just south of downtown Tampa, has a long history of hosting competitive sailing events. The A-Class World Championship continues that tradition while bringing an international field of sailors to Tampa Bay.
Event Information:
Event: 2026 A-Class Catamaran World Championship
Dates: November 9-14, 2026
Preliminary event: A-Class Admiral’s Cup, November 4-6
Location: Davis Island Yacht Club, 1315 Severn Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
Website: www.aclassworlds.com
About Davis Island Yacht Club
Davis Island Yacht Club is a member-owned sailing club in Tampa, Florida, dedicated to sailing, racing, cruising and fellowship. The Club hosts local, national and international sailing events and supports an active sailing community throughout Tampa Bay.
