Nearly 70 SB20 teams took to the water for the official practice day of the SB20 World Championship in Hyères, at 2 pm. Despite morning showers, the weather improved in time for sailing, with the sun breaking through and a steady breeze of 6–9 knots providing the conditions for crews to prepare for the competition ahead.
This championship brings together a remarkable international fleet, with sailors representing a wide range of countries, backgrounds and generations. The diversity on the water is a defining feature of this year’s event, reflecting the global appeal of the SB20 class.
Hyères World Championship 2026 © João Saraiva Mendes
A truly international and diverse fleet
The participating teams represent 17 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East, including Australia, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Morocco, Mozambique, Portugal, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Women sailors are also well represented, with seven women-led teams of different ages taking part, including a team from Vietnam.
Hyères World Championship 2026 © João Saraiva Mendes
Technology supporting the racing
Every boat is equipped with a GPS tracker, adding a technological dimension to the championship and enabling the fleet’s movements to be followed throughout the racing. With the practice session underway, teams have their first opportunity to familiarise themselves with the local conditions and fine-tune their boats ahead of the championship racing.
Photos: ©João Saraiva Mendes
How to follow the action
Everything about the event is on the official SB20 Worlds Hyères 2026 website. During the championship, daily written reports will be published here on the SB20 Class website, while our Facebook and Instagram pages will cover the action on and off the water, with daily videos on social media and our YouTube channel.
Link to the Photo Album from the Practice Race.