The World Match Racing Tour has confirmed the sixteen skippers who will contest the 2026 WMRT Final in Shenzhen, China, from 6–11 January. The winner will be crowned World Sailing Match Racing World Champion and share a USD200,000 prize fund.
Great Britain’s Ian Williams, an eight-time world champion, returns to defend his title and attempt an unprecedented ninth crown. “I am really looking forward to coming back to Shenzhen and hopefully defend our title,” Williams said.
It will be the third consecutive year that Shenzhen’s Bao’an District hosts the final under a multi-year agreement with the tour. The event was rescheduled to January due to the China National Games taking place in November and December.
WMRT Executive Director James Pleasance said the revised date aligns the final with the 2026 season opener. “The later date will run back-to-back with the Macao Match Cup, reducing travel time and costs,” he said.
The field expands from twelve to sixteen skippers, with places awarded to the defending champion and top-ranked match racers. The Far East 28 fleet will again be used in Bao’an.
Current WMRT points leader Chris Poole of the United States aims to convert season consistency into a world title. “Our boat handling and crew work are going to be key in Shenzhen,” Poole said.
Switzerland’s Eric Monnin joins the line-up, alongside Sweden’s Johnie Berntsson, Oscar Engström, and Björn Hansen. New Zealand’s 2022 world champion Nick Egnot-Johnson returns with the Knots Racing team.
Australia’s Cole Tapper, the 2024 Youth Match Racing World Champion, will again represent the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Denmark’s Jeppe Borch returns after injury, following a win at Match Cup Sweden.
Italy’s Rocco Attili and Chicago’s Christian Prendergast are also confirmed, along with five French skippers. Among them is Women’s Match Racing World Champion Pauline Courtois. “It has been one of our long-term goals to win the WMRT Final,” Courtois said. A victory would make her the first sailor to hold both the open and women’s world titles in the same year.
Shenzhen’s expanding waterfront and major infrastructure investment have strengthened its position as a host for international sport. Local organisers stated their commitment to delivering a successful event. “We are fully committed to providing comprehensive support,” said Liang Haiyang of the Bao’an District Public Culture and Sports Service Centre.
Confirmed Skippers for the 2026 WMRT Final Shenzhen Bao’an: Chris Poole (USA), Eric Monnin (SUI), Johnie Berntsson (SWE), Ian Garreta (FRA), Aurélien Pierroz (FRA), Cole Tapper (AUS), Nick Egnot-Johnson (NZL), Timothée Rossi (FRA), Ian Williams (GBR), Tom Foucher (FRA), Rocco Attili (ITA), Christian Prendergast (USA), Pauline Courtois (FRA), Oscar Engström (SWE), Jeppe Borch (DEN), Björn Hansen (SWE).
