The 44Cup returns to Marstrand this week with nine teams set to contest one of the most competitive events of the 2026 season. Racing begins on Thursday and continues through Sunday on Sweden's west coast, where the owner-driver RC44 circuit makes its 14th visit since its first arrival in 2011.
Just two points separate the leading contenders after the opening two events of the season.
Sweden's GeMera Racing arrives at its home regatta at the top of the standings following podium finishes in Lanzarote and Sardinia. The team is guided by tactician Francesco Bruni, fresh from victory at last week's Rolex TP52 World Championship. GeMera Racing has drafted in Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Lovisa Karlsson as a replacement for injured Swedish sailor Ida Svensson. "I only got the call yesterday to ask if I was available," said Karlsson. "Obviously, it will be great racing, and that's the fun part about it."
Bow-to-Bow — Championship leader GeMera Racing and multiple Marstrand winner Team Aqua cross tacks during RC44 competition on Sweden's west coast. Photo: Nico Martinez
Defending Marstrand champion Team Nika is just one point behind the leaders and arrives with momentum after winning the most recent event in Sardinia. "It looks like it will be light wind and a bit more challenging," said owner Vladimir Prosikhin. "We know this place very well. It's very nice, very beautiful around the island."
Local hopes rest with Artemis Racing and owner Torbjörn Törnqvist, who has recruited SailGP and America's Cup helmsman Phil Robertson as tactician for the event. Robertson is no stranger to Marstrand, having won multiple World Match Racing Tour and M32 World Championship titles at the Swedish venue. "It's a very cool class - very close and tight racing with a great bunch of owners," said Robertson. "I'll get a taste of it this weekend to see where we stand."
Home Challenge — Artemis Racing owner Torbjörn Törnqvist and crew prepare for action at their home regatta in Marstrand, where the Swedish team is chasing a first-ever victory at the 44Cup's Scandinavian stop. Photo: Nico Martinez
Team Charisma also enters as a major contender. The Dutch team has won four times in Marstrand and welcomes back tactician Hamish Pepper, who helped guide the team to overall titles in the 44Cup and RC44 World Championships in 2022 and 2023. "It's a solid team," said Pepper. "It's nice to be back on board. I really enjoy the class."
Other teams expected to challenge include Team Aqua, Aleph Racing, Peninsula Racing, Black Star Sailing Team and Wow! Sailing Team. With light-to-moderate winds forecast and several title contenders in strong form, Marstrand is poised to deliver another closely fought chapter in the 2026 44Cup season.
