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SB20 Class & Devoti Sailing Confirm Worlds Plan to 2030

3rd February 2026
Devoti Sailing and SB20 Class confirm strategic partnership through to 2030, including World Championship venues in Anzio, Hobart and Cascais.
Devoti Sailing and SB20 Class confirm strategic partnership through to 2030, including World Championship venues in Anzio, Hobart and Cascais Credit: Jane Austin

The SB20 Class has announced a long-term strategic agreement with boatbuilder Devoti Sailing, confirming World Championship venues through to 2030 and outlining a joint roadmap for global growth.

The plan was unanimously approved by the SB20 World Council. It aligns governance, builder support and market development to strengthen existing fleets and expand into new regions.

Three new SB20 World Championship venues have been confirmed:

  • 2028 – Anzio, Italy
  • 2029 – Hobart, Australia
  • 2030 – Cascais, Portugal

These follow already agreed Worlds in Hyères, France (2026) and Torquay, UK (2027).

“This plan gives us clarity, stability and ambition,” said SB20 Class President Scott Glanville. “It strengthens our World Championships while opening new pathways for growth in key sailing markets.”

Devoti Sailing will support the Class through charter opportunities, second-hand boat sales, and strong post-event sales, ensuring greater accessibility.

“The strategy allows us to invest with confidence,” said Devoti Sailing founder Luca Devoti. “Together, we are building something truly sustainable for the SB20.”

The class is currently active in over 12 countries, with strong fleets in Europe, the UAE and Singapore. Recent championships in Asia have seen a rise in entries and global interest.

Each upcoming venue plays a strategic role. Anzio builds on Italy’s fleet revival. Hobart offers a return to a world-class location, while Cascais marks a third World after successful 2016 and 2021 editions.

The SB20 is a one-design sportsboat class known for its affordability and competitive balance. It remains popular with professionals and amateurs alike.

Published in SB20
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SB20 (formerly Laser SB3) information

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

The Laser SB3 was designed by Castro and launched in 2002. In 2007 the Laser SB3 was awarded ISAF Recognised Status and the first World Championships were held in Ireland in 2008. In 2012, Tony Castro appointed a new builder, Sportsboat World. At this time, the Laser SB3 was renamed the SB20 and building was returned to the UK from Malaysia. The ethos of the class continues.

The boat is a strict one-design class, economic to buy and campaign, easy to sail with a simple deck layout and electric downwind performance delivered by the generous sail plan. The boat has a lifting keel, can easily be launched from a slipway and towed behind a family car.

Previous SB20 World Champions

2008 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Roger Gilbert, Roz Allen & Sarah Allan

Host National Yacht Club, Dun laoghaire, Ireland

2009 GBR: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heeley

Host Clube Naval de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal

2010 GBR: Jerry Hill, Grant Rollerson, Joe Llewellyn

Host Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy

2011 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Andy Ramus, Ian Mills & Emma Clarke

Host Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Torquay, UK

2012 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Lesley Dhonau, Roger Hudson & Asenathi Jim

Host Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Queensland, Australia

2013 GRB: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heley Host COYCH Club, Hyeres, France