From 9 to 16 October, Bodrum will host the 2026 ILCA Under-21 European Championships & Open European Trophy, bringing 191 sailors from 42 countries to the Aegean coast for six days of racing.
Organised by the B.B. Bodrumspor Club Sailing Department in collaboration with EurILCA and the Turkish Sailing Federation, the championship will see the fleets compete for the 2026 European titles in the waters of Bodrum.
A Week of Racing and Events
The event will begin on Friday, 9 October, with registration and equipment inspection for the sailors.
The championship will be officially opened on Saturday, 10 October, with a Parade of Nations through the streets of Bodrum, followed by the Opening Ceremony and Opening Cocktail at 18:30.
After six days of racing, the event will conclude with the Awards Ceremony on Friday, 16 October, at 18:30.
Sustainability will also be part of the championship, with the organisers implementing their Clean Regattas programme in line with the EurILCA Sustainability Programme — Read: Bodrum Puts Sustainability at the Heart of the 2026 ILCA U21 Europeans.
The racing will bring together a strong international fleet, including many recent World and European champions and medallists — Read: Champions Meet in Bodrum: The Sailors to Watch at the 2026 ILCA U21 European.
Strong Local Support
The event is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, the Governorship of Muğla, the District Governorship of Bodrum, AFAD, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and Bodrum Municipality.
The championship’s sponsors are Istanbul Marin Marine Fuels, Sport Works, Lapina Yachting, Parkım Ayaz Hotel, Bodrum Ada Yachting, Süperpar, Malipa Meşrubat and Galeri Binyıl.
For further information about the event and how to follow the racing, please visit the official event website.
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA