Monaco Optimist Team Race 2026: the future of world sailing sets course for the Principality

From 14 to 18 January 2026, the Principality of Monaco will once again become a global hub for youth sailing with the 14th edition of the Monaco Optimist Team Race. An event that brings together the world’s elite young sailors and continues to establish itself as a key reference point in the development of tomorrow’s champions.

Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, with the support of Monaco Marine, FxPro, North Sails, Erplast and Peace and Sport, the regatta will welcome 15 teams from 12 countries, all composed of sailors under the age of 14. The competition follows the team-race format inspired by the America’s Cup, featuring four-on-four direct confrontations where tactics, communication and composure are decisive.

The sporting programme promises high intensity, with more than 150 matches, from the round-robin stages to the finals, spread over four days of racing marked by close manoeuvres and constant twists. The opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday 14 January, while, after three days of training and fine-tuning, the official racing will start on Thursday 15 January at 11:00 a.m. For four days, the waters of Monaco will host thrilling battles, confirming the event as a true laboratory for the new generation of sailors.

Since its launch in 2010, the Monaco Optimist Team Race has built an impressive international track record. Switzerland dominated for many years through the Société Nautique de Genève and the Gstaad Yacht Club, while Germany, Finland, Turkey and Monaco have all left their mark. In recent editions, American teams have prevailed, while in 2023 Croatia surprised everyone with the victory of JKU Deep Blue.

Each edition reinforces the event’s reputation for revealing future sailing talents destined to shine beyond the Optimist class. According to insiders, the Monaco Optimist Team Race is a true school of character: individual skill alone is not enough—team spirit, strategic vision and the ability to handle pressure are essential. It is here that young sailors learn to turn technique into strategy and to grow as future champions.

Before racing begins, from 12 to 14 January, competitors will take part in the International Clinic led by Chris Atkins, a world-renowned figure in team racing. With over 45 years of experience, three British national titles and a key role within the British Olympic Sailing Team, Atkins offers young sailors a unique opportunity for high-level training and development, further enhancing the educational value of the event.