Nations Cup for match racing nations

After a seven-year hiatus, the World Sailing Nations Cup is returning to crown the top match racing nation. World Sailing has opened the bid process to host the Grand Final, a Grade 1 event, slated for late 2026 or 2027.

The Nations Cup was first launched in 1991 as a unique competition that pits nation against nation, rather than individual skippers, to determine the Open and Women’s world champion nation in match racing. Past participants include Mathieu Richard (FRA), Anna Tunnicliffe (USA), Peter Holmberg (ISV), Claire Leroy (FRA), and Lucy Macgregor (GBR).

“The Nations Cup is a celebration of national pride and a proven breeding ground for the future legends of our sport,” said World Sailing Vice-President Cory Sertl. “Its return re-establishes a vital, cost-effective international platform for sailors and Member National Authorities, expanding the reach of match racing and inspiring a new generation of competitors.”

The event’s format is designed to maximize global participation. A pyramid of club and national championships often precedes the international competition, with a series of Regional Finals culminating in the Grand Final. For the 2026-27 edition, up to 10 teams in both the Open and Women’s divisions will be invited to the Grand Final based on a regional selection process.

Last held in 2019 in San Francisco, CA, 19 teams from 13 countries participated, with France winning both the Open and Women’s divisions.

The deadline for bid submission is 00:00 UTC on September 15, 2025. For information on the bidding process and event requirements: bid@sailing.org

Source: World Sailing