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Sailing News for February 02, 2026

The America’s Cup just got more interesting with organisers extending the AC38 entry deadline to March 31, opening the door for potential late challengers and raising the prospect of a bigger, more unpredictable fleet in Naples, while World Sailing is actively encouraging bids for future world championships that could reshape offshore and match racing calendars. On the water, the ILCA Under 21 World Championships in Lanzarote delivered full-power racing in 20 plus knots, rewarding fitness, toughness, and depth as Italy underlined its dominance and Team GBR fought hard in a stacked fleet. Foiling continues to evolve with WASZP confirming a global partnership with Vakaros to bring GPS-based starts and cleaner racing to fleet foiling events, and the day wraps with Luna Rossa setting an early tone for 2026 as preparations quietly ramp up toward home-water pressure and the first steps on the road to AC38.

Sail GP/America’s Cup

America’s Cup Extends Entry Deadline, More Teams Could Join the Party (3 min read)
The America’s Cup has pushed its late entry deadline to March 31, buying time for would-be challengers to get their acts together for AC38 in Naples. Five teams are already locked in, including defenders Emirates Team New Zealand, but the door is now open for a few late surprises. Grant Dalton hinted at interest from Australia, a possible second Italian team, and US outfit Riptide Racing. More teams means more intrigue, more matchups, and hopefully more chaos on the water.

Inshore & Offshore Racing

World Sailing Opens Bidding for Major Future Events (3 min read)
World Sailing has officially opened the door for bids on a stack of future championships, and Australian Sailing is keen to see local clubs jump in. Up for grabs are Offshore Double Handed Worlds from 2027 to 2029, plus match racing, team racing, and Olympic qualifying events. The double-handed worlds are especially spicy, with supplied boats and a focus on access, equity, and sustainability. Deadlines are coming fast, so if your club’s got ambition and a decent race track, now’s the moment.

Olympic Class/Dinghy Sailing

Full Send in Lanzarote at the ILCA Under 21 World Championships (4 min read)
The ILCA Under 21 World Championships in Lanzarote delivered exactly zero mercy. Think 20 to 25 knots, big waves, and non-stop hiking that punished anyone without serious strength and stamina. Team GBR battled hard in a stacked 147-boat fleet, with Hamish Collingridge and Alfie Noel cracking Gold Fleet in the men’s ILCA 7s. Italy owned the week though, sweeping all three titles and underlining just how deep their youth pipeline runs. Brutal, physical, and proper racing.

Foiling

WASZP Teams Up With Vakaros to Level Up Foiling Fleet Racing (3 min read)
The WASZP Class has locked in a two-year partnership with Vakaros, bringing RaceSense tech to regattas worldwide. Think GPS-based start lines, automatic OCS calls, and cleaner, fairer starts across the fleet. It’s a big win for sailors and race committees, and a serious upgrade for training nerds chasing marginal gains. The system debuts at the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola, with entries closing fast and charters already tight. Foiling, but sharper.

Sailing Highlight of the Day

January was anything but quiet for Luna Rossa. After a heavy behind-the-scenes 2025, the team confirmed the new America’s Cup partnership in Naples and locked in Cagliari as host of the first AC38 Preliminary Regatta. Sailing time was patchy thanks to weather, but momentum stayed high ashore. For CEO Max Sirena, it’s now full focus on performance, pressure, and seeing how fast they really are racing at home.