An initiative of World Sailing, the Offshore Double Handed World Championships has been established in recognition of the explosive growth of double handed offshore racing in recent years.

World Sailing has made an initial commitment to three world championships. The first, in September 2024, will be hosted at Lorient Grand Large, Yacht Club de France with the support of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). Lorient Grand Large has been a centre of excellence for competitive sailing since 1997. It is home to elite level teams in the Ultim, IMOCA and Ocean 50 classes, as well as the Mini 6.50, Figaro, Class40. The venue has hosted several major events in recent years, including The Ocean Race, Solitaire du Figaro, and the Retour à La Base.  

The 2025 event will be held at Cowes, Isle of Wight and the 2026 venue is to be confirmed.

The regatta is only open to mixed duos (1 Woman and 1 Man). Racing will be conducted using a fleet of 10 Jeanneau Sun Fast 30 One Design boats. Up to 20 entries will be accepted. There will be two heats with the top 5 boats from each heat qualifying for the final.

Jules Hall, skipper of Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth and previous winner of the Two-Handed IRC,ORCi and PHS division in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race shared: “We are seeing enormous growth in double handed offshore racing all around the world, underpinned by the quality of the racing and the camaraderie amongst the participants. The Offshore Double Handed World Championship is a fantastic next step for the sport. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to line up against the best in the world!”

The Notice of Race is available here. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 1 June 2024.