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The 64th Vaurien World Championship has concluded after an unforgettable week of racing on the Baltic Sea in Travemünde, Germany. Hosted as part of the renowned 137th Travemünder Woche, the championship welcomed sailors from across Europe, Africa and North America to one of sailing’s most prestigious venues, combining world-class racing with exceptional hospitality and the unique atmosphere of Germany’s largest sailing festival.

Over five racing days, the fleet completed 10 high-quality races in a remarkable variety of conditions. Competitors experienced everything from fresh Baltic Sea breeze and challenging waves to light-air tactical battles. Thanks to excellent race management, the scheduled lay day coincided perfectly with the strongest weather system of the week, allowing the championship to be completed safely and exactly as planned.

Italian Masterclass

Congratulations to Olmo Cerri and Gioia Bertolani (Italy), who claimed the title of 2026 Vaurien World Champions with an outstanding performance. Leading the championship from the opening day, the Italian team dominated the fleet with seven race victories and an impressive scoreline of just 13 points after ten races.

The battle for the remaining podium places stayed open until the final day. Pablo and Isabel Cabello (Spain) secured the silver medal, while François-Xavier Drougou and Caroline Guilloux (France) completed the podium after an exciting week of close racing.

Champions Across the Fleet

The World Championship once again celebrated excellence in several categories:

• World Champions: Olmo Cerri & Gioia Bertolani (Italy)
• Junior World Champions: Cosimo d’Inecco & Gabriele Bellino (Italy)
• Female World Champions: Paula González-Estaban & Alejandra Vicens Martínez (Spain)
• Mieke Pannevis Trophy: Paula González-Estaban (fastest female helm)
• Nations Cup: The Netherlands, whose consistently strong team performance earned them the prestigious trophy once again.

More Than Racing

While the competition on the water was intense, the championship also demonstrated what makes the Vaurien class unique. The Opening Ceremony, Champions’ Dinner aboard the historic PASSAT, the International Happy Hour, Youth Tombola, daily gatherings in the boat park, and countless moments of friendship created an atmosphere that extended far beyond the race course.

A special thank you goes to SPRAGA, whose generous support as title sponsor added another memorable dimension to the event. Throughout the week, sailors enjoyed refreshing kombucha after racing, while the championship podium teams also received generous prize cheques sponsored by the company.

Thank You

The International Vaurien Class Association extends its sincere gratitude to the German Vaurien Class, the organising committee of Travemünder Woche, race officials, volunteers, sponsors, and every sailor, coach, supporter and family member who contributed to making this championship such a success.

Events like these remind us that the Vaurien is much more than a racing dinghy—it is an international community built on friendship, sportsmanship and a shared passion for sailing.

During the Closing Ceremony, the championship flag was officially handed over to the Spanish Vaurien Class, who will host the 2027 Vaurien World Championship in Vigo, Spain, from 24–30 July 2027.

We look forward to seeing the international Vaurien family together again next summer.

Vive le Vaurien!