2026 San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta

Olympians and Olympic hopefuls from around the world will take to the water July 19-24, as sailors in the ILCA 6, ILCA 7, and 470 Classes compete in the 2026 San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta (OCR), the first chance for many to sail at the host venue for the LA 2028 Games. For the sailors, it’s a valuable opening to soak up decisive local knowledge on one of the most unique venues on the Olympic circuit.

“It’s huge to be able to have an event on the Olympic waters,” says Bermuda’s Adriana Penruddocke in the ILCA 6 fleet. “Just to be able to get here and experience the venue is so important. Plus, it’s always nice to compare yourself with the folks at the top and see how you measure up”. Top 3 sailors in the ILCA 6 world rankings Charlotte Rose (USA), Maxime Van De Werken-Jonker, and Eve McMahon will start alongside Penruddocke.

The ILCA 7 fleet, featuring one of the deepest fields in the regatta, includes two-time Olympic gold medalist Matt Wearn of Australia and a collection of world championship contenders eager to test themselves on the future Olympic racecourse.

In preparation to meet these top competitors on the start line, British sailor Finley Dickinson says he’s been focusing on fitness and endurance, taking advantage of the area’s extensive bikeways. “I’ve been cycling up to the aqueducts,” Dickinson said of his route along the newly revitalized LA River bike path. “I’ve also been biking north up toward the mountains and south toward Huntington.”

Fellow Brit and ILCA 6 sailor Hannah Snellgrove has been diligently studying San Pedro’s unique wind patterns in advance of the 6-day racing event. “Downwind, the technique here is very venue-specific, so I’m working on trying to get that right.”

Gathering knowledge will define success during the week for many, how and when the breeze builds, what influence wave swell from the Pacific has on boat handling, and how the racecourses inside and outside the L.A. Harbor break water reward different sailing styles. “It can be really tricky here, especially outside the break water,” says American 470 skipper Micky Munns. “When the waves rebound off the sea wall, it creates a really confused sea state that’s challenging in light and in windy conditions.” Munns adds that both times he’s sailed here previously he was treated to strong wind.

Italy’s Dimitri Peroni is making his first visit to the United States this week, but says he’s already heard plenty about the famous afternoon sea breeze. “I’m hoping for that classic breeze,” Peroni said. “And a good result to go along with it.”

San Pedro OCR is a part of the Olympic Class Sailing Grand Slam Series, which includes The Princess Sofia Trophy in Mallorca Spain; French Olympic Week in Hyeres, France; Dutch Water Week in Almere, The Netherlands; Kiel Week in Kiel, Germany; and the Long Beach and San Pedro OCRs. It is the first Olympic Class regatta to take place at the Port of Los Angeles in the history of Olympic sailing, including the 1984 Games which was held several miles east of this new site.

More than 300 competitors from 47 countries are racing in San Pedro OCR over 6 days, including 70+ Olympians. Among them are 19 winners of a collective 22 Olympic medals, including 3 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze. San Pedro OCR is one of only two major Olympic Class events that take place in the United States.

Racing in the ILCA 6, ILCA 7, and 470 classes begins Sunday, July 19 at 1 PM and continues through Friday, July 24.

Event Details: https://register.sanpedroocr.org/en/default/races/race

2026 Sailing Grand Slam
March 27-April 4: Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca – Mallorca, Spain
April 18-25: Semaine Olympique Française – Hyères, France
May 30-June 7: Dutch Water Week – Almere, Netherlands
June 20-24: Kieler Woche – Kiel, Germany
July 13-August 8: Pre-Olympic Event – Los Angeles and Long Beach, USA*

* Location and dates:
July 13-16, iQFOiL, Formula Kite – Long Beach
July 20-25, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, 470 – Los Angeles
August 3-8, 49er, 4erFX, Nacra 17 – Los Angeles

Details: https://sailinggrandslam.com/

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program:
First Week – July 16-20
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA

Second Week – July 23-28
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7 – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470 – Los Angeles, CA
Men’s Skiff – 49er – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17 – Los Angeles, CA

Dates: July 16-28