Island time at ISCA World Championships

The International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) continues its momentum with another sold-out championship series in 2026 as sailors from 17 countries come to compete November 6-13 in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Following the success of the expanded format introduced at the 2025 World Championships in Ecuador, sailors will once again compete in dedicated Youth (under 19), Masters (40 and over), and Women’s World Championships prior to the Open World Championship.

The format supports ISCA’s strategic commitment to expanding opportunities for youth and women sailors while strengthening participation across the class. More so, the stakes are especially high in 2026 as the Women’s and Open events will serve as a country qualifier for the 2027 Pan American Games.

Bringing four World Championships to a small island—and staging racing from a small cay in Christiansted Harbor—has required extensive planning, coordination, and logistical support. A major contributor to the event is Zim Sailing, the official ISCA builder, which is providing the entire fleet of brand-new ISCA boats equipped with custom event North Sails.

Youth World Championship – November 6-8
Eighteen sailors representing 11 countries will compete over three days of racing. Rafael Sarrazin (ECU) returns after finishing second in 2025, determined to bring the title back to Salinas Yacht Club. Gabriel Giuria (PER), who finished third in 2025, will also be looking to move up the leaderboard. Other sailors to watch include Parker Nagle (ISV), who brings a valuable home-water advantage from regularly practicing in the venue; Jeaneliz Garcia (PUR), whose recent experience at the Women’s and Open North American Championships provided valuable exposure to large-fleet starts and heavy-air conditions; and Payton Brown (USA), fresh off a second-place finish at the Youth North American Championship. – Details

Masters World Championship – November 6-8
Forty-two sailors from nine countries will compete for the Masters title. Defending champion Peter Stanon (ISV) will be working to retain the throne, but Andy Beeckman (USA) arrives with a second-place finish at the 2025 Masters Worlds and a sixth-place finish at the 2026 North American Championship. Fellow Americans Mike Ingham and Hal Gilreath will also be looking to contend for the top positions. Other challengers include Alex Zimmerman (PER), along with Doug Kaukeinen (USA), and Jesus Salazar (VEN), who finished eighth and ninth, respectively, at the 2026 North American Championship. – Details

Women’s World Championship – November 6-8
The 2026 edition marks the second Women’s World Championship—and its role as a country qualifier for the 2027 Pan American Games has significantly increased participation with 34 sailors entered. Tania Zimmerman (PER), runner-up at the 2025 Women’s Worlds, will be looking to take home the title. Ana Sofia Bermudez (COL), who finished fourth in 2025, returns with championship experience; Amanda Callahan (USA), won the 2026 Women’s North American Championship; and Emilia Veloso (CHI) are among the competitors to watch. Other notables include Sophie Zimmerman (PER), ISCA winner at the 2026 South American Games; Maria José Poncell (CHI); and Maria José Cucalón (ECU), who finished second at the South American Games. – Details

Open World Championship – November 9-13
The Open World Championship brings together 73 sailors representing 18 countries, including eight former World Champions. With so much championship experience on the starting line, the competition for the 2026 title is expected to be fierce. This event is also a country qualifier for the 2027 Pan American Games for the men.

The returning champions, with 13 titles among them, include:
• Jean Paul de Trazegnies (PER): 2023, 2022, 2018
• Simon Gomez (COL): 2025
• Conner Blouin (USA): 2024
• David Hernandez (GUA): 2019
• Alonso Collantes (PER): 2017, 2016
• David Loring (USA): 2009, 2006, 1995
• Paul-Jon Patin (USA): 1992
• Cor van Aanholt (CUW): 1980

Other competitors to watch include Esneiry Perez (DOM), Joab Guzman (GUA), Benn Smith (BER), who finished fourth, fifth and 12th respectively, at the 2026 North American Championship. Also in contention are Andy Beeckman (USA), Parker Nagle (ISV), Doug Kaukeinen (USA), and Jesus Salazar (VEN), who finished sixth through ninth, respectively, at the North Americans, along with Diego Silvestre (GUA), who finished third in Peru’s COPA FPV. – Details