The 2026 ILCA Under-21 European Championships & Open European Trophy got underway in Bodrum on Friday, with the first day of registration and equipment inspection bringing the venue to life. With the sailors arriving from across Europe and beyond, the event is now officially in motion ahead of the first race on Sunday.
Registration and inspection underway
Sailors began completing registration and equipment inspection on the opening day of the championship, organised by the B.B. Bodrumspor Club Sailing Department in collaboration with EurILCA and the Turkish Sailing Federation. The process continues on Saturday, which will be the final day for both.
The championship brings together 191 sailors from 42 countries, competing for the 2026 European titles over six days of racing on the Aegean.
A first taste of Bodrum’s waters
For many sailors, the afternoon was the first chance to get out on the water. With a nice breeze and plenty of sunshine, fleets took the opportunity to test the conditions and get familiar with the local waters before racing begins.
Reigning champion Ginevra Caracciolo ITA is sailing in Bodrum for the first time, but has done her homework. “I get some information from the guys that did the World Championship in the Optimist class three years ago, so I’m ready,” she said.
The Italian also knows what kind of conditions she prefers, but says the preparation covers all scenarios. “I prefer strong wind, as everybody knows, but we train really hard with the light wind in this last month, so I’m happy to race also with the light wind.”
She arrives with a clear mindset for what is her final youth championship. “My goal is just to fully enjoy this last youth championship. I’m already feeling a bit nostalgic about no longer being youth, so if I come back with a medal, it’s just a bonus.”
For Capucine Deltel FRA, the 2026 ILCA 4 Youth European champion, Bodrum marks a new chapter. “The weather is very nice, the wind conditions too, and I’m super happy to start the competition,” she said. “It’s my first ILCA 6 event, so I’m very excited. I don’t know how it will be and how the girls are going to be, but I’m ready to do my best.”
Her goals are simple. “My goal is just to fight as best as I can and enjoy it as much as possible.”
Opening Ceremony on Saturday
The championship will be officially opened on Saturday evening with the Parade of Nations through the streets of Bodrum, followed by the Opening Ceremony and Opening Cocktail at 18:30.
Racing starts on Sunday 11 October, with the Awards Ceremony scheduled for Friday 16 October.
Catch up on the build-up
Read more about the championship ahead of the first race:
- Bodrum Ready to Welcome the 2026 ILCA Under-21 Europeans
- Champions Meet in Bodrum: The Sailors to Watch at the 2026 ILCA U21 Europeans
- Bodrum Puts Sustainability at the Heart of the 2026 ILCA U21 Europeans
For further information about the event and how to follow the racing, please visit the official event website.
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.
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Photos by Turkish Sailing Federation.