Registration of interest for 2026 Offshore Double-handed World Championships

Yachting New Zealand invites sailors to apply for selection to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Offshore Double-handed World Championships.

Applications are now open and will close at 9am on Friday, 29 May 2026.

This year's event will be held in Marseille from 23 September to 2 October 2026 and will again feature mixed crews (one male and one female) racing in Sun Fast 30 One Design yachts.

The event webpage, which includes the Notice of Race and all eligibility and entry requirements, is now available and can be accessed here.

Yachting New Zealand has established a selection panel comprising international race officials, shorthanded and offshore sailing experts, and members of the Cruising, Inshore and Offshore Racing Committee (CIORC).

Once applications close, the panel will assess teams based on their experience in international and national offshore and long-distance coastal racing, overall sailing knowledge and experience as helm and crew, relevant certifications, and navigational and weather-routing expertise.

Up to two teams will be selected to represent New Zealand at the event. The first team will receive the priority entry, while the second team will be nominated for entry pending confirmation from the World Sailing selection panel. Successful applicants will be required to pay the €5,000 entry fee (refer to the event Notice of Race).

New Zealand was represented by two teams at last year’s event in Cowes — Anna Merchant and Aaron Hume-Merry, and Oakley Marsh and Megan Thomson.

Applications must be submitted via the form below before 29 May 2026.