The RS21 World Championship will head to France for the first time this autumn, with entries now open for the fifth edition of the international keelboat class's global championship.
Around 50 boats are expected at the Yacht Club de Cannes for four days of racing from 28-31 October 2026, bringing together defending world champions and leading teams from across Europe and further afield.
Worlds Bound: The RS21 fleet is preparing for its first World Championship in France, with around 50 boats expected on the start line in Cannes this October. Photo: Code Zero
RS21 International Class Manager Liam Willis said Cannes would provide an appropriate setting for the growing championship.
"We’re excited to be heading to this prime sailing destination for the RS21 Worlds 2026," Willis said. "The luxury of the French Riviera, alongside the premium racing facilities at the Yacht Club de Cannes, will deliver the high-end racing experience we've come to expect from the RS21 class."
World Champions Head Cannes Entry
Defending champions Les Freaks (HKG 295), helmed by Marco Pocci, are due to return after winning the 2025 world title.
They will face competition from current UK & Ireland National Champions Tiga Tiger (GBR 341), helmed by Tom Hewitson, and 2026 European champions Arvenis, who arrive after a dominant performance at the RS Games.
Italy is expected to provide another strong contingent. T-Rex (ITA 161), owned by Marco Giannini, are the reigning Corinthian world champion, while Magique et Terrible (ITA 230), helmed by Malika Bellomi, holds the 2025 Women's World Championship title.
Women to Watch: Malika Bellomi’s all-women Magique et Terrible team will arrive in Cannes as the reigning RS21 Women’s World Champions. Photo: Code Zero
French youth crews are also expected to feature prominently in the Under-23 competition.
"We’ve been told by Nico, our French RS distributor at RS Sailing France, to watch out for some strong local French youth sailors entering the Under-23 category," Willis said. "They could certainly give the Italian youth teams a run for their money."
International Fleet Expected
Teams are anticipated from Italy, France, Spain, the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Monaco, Hong Kong, Georgia, Australia and Canada. Organisers are also hoping for United States representation as the RS21 class continues to expand internationally.
The Yacht Club de Cannes will provide the shoreside facilities and championship venue, while the RS21 International Class will bring its own Principal Race Officer and use autonomous MarkSetBot race marks.
The Vakaros race management system will also be used, with professional media coverage provided by Code Zero Digital.
Entries and Charters
The championship programme will include Après Sail food and drinks, daily prizegivings, a championship dinner and the final podium presentation.
Charter boats supplied by RS Sailing are nearly sold out, with only the final boats remaining.
Willis said the class was aiming for a large international turnout for its first World Championship in France.
"We want everyone who can to come and be part of this one," he said. "It’s the first time the RS21 Worlds has come to France, and Cannes is going to be a fantastic stage for the class. We’re looking forward to seeing a big, international fleet on the start line."
The championship will also mark the final RS21 Worlds before the event moves to the UK for the first time in 2027.
Next Stop UK: After the RS21 Worlds make their French debut in Cannes this October, the championship will head to Weymouth and Portland in the UK for 2027. Photo: Digital Sailing
