Swiss club wins the SAILING Champions League title for the first time
KIEL, Germany — Club Nautique de Versoix has been crowned the 2026 SAILING Champions League champion after a thrilling finale on the Kiel Inner Fjord, securing the prestigious title for Switzerland for the first time in the history of the competition.
Photos: SAILING Champions League / Sailing Energy
The 13th season of the SAILING Champions League came down to a dramatic Final Four showdown in Kiel, where the world’s leading sailing clubs competed in standardized J/70 keelboats.
A DEMANDING BATTLE IN LIGHT WINDS
The conditions in Kiel tested the international fleet from the very beginning. Shifting and unpredictable winds between the huge cruise ships in the harbor basin made every race a tactical challenge.
In the light breeze, keeping the boats moving was crucial. Sensitive sail trim, tactical awareness and the ability to react quickly to constantly changing conditions became decisive factors on the short courses.
No team was able to establish clear dominance during the opening stages. France’s APCC Nantes made a strong start before dropping back after a series of mistakes.
By the halfway point, Germany’s Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV), Finland’s Åländska Segelsällskapet and Norway’s Kongelig Norsk Seilforening (KNS) were locked together on 16 points.
At the end of the second day, Club Nautique de Versoix moved into the lead. The Swiss team entered the decisive Sunday tied on points with Norway’s Tønsberg Seilforening.
FOUR FINALISTS, ONE TITLE
The battle for the four Final Four places remained extremely tight.
With four races in each flight, almost every finish had the potential to change the leaderboard. Club Nautique de Versoix eventually defended its position at the top of the qualification standings.
Behind them, NRV, APCC Nantes and KNS all finished on exactly 30 points to secure the remaining three Final Four places.
Switzerland’s Segelclub Stäfa and Poland’s HRM Racing narrowly missed out, finishing on 31 points.
The stage was therefore set for a four-team showdown between Versoix, KNS, NRV and Nantes.
VERSOIX KEEPS ITS NERVE WHEN IT MATTERS
The Final Four format leaves no room for error. The first team to record two race victories wins the championship.
As the winner of the qualification series, Club Nautique de Versoix entered the Final Four with one bonus race win already secured.
KNS, the 2015 SAILING Champions League champion and winner of this year’s qualifier, made the perfect start to the final and claimed the opening race.
The 2022 champion NRV responded in the second race, making smart tactical decisions on the upwind leg to take the victory.
Suddenly, the battle was wide open, with the three leading contenders separated by just one race win.
Everything came down to the third and decisive race.
Club Nautique de Versoix kept its composure under enormous pressure. The Swiss crew took control of the race and crossed the finish line first to secure the 2026 SAILING Champions League title.
A FIRST FOR SWITZERLAND
The victory marks a historic moment for Swiss sailing.
Club Nautique de Versoix becomes the first Swiss club ever to win the SAILING Champions League title, bringing the prestigious trophy to Switzerland for the first time.
SAILING Champions League CEO Anke Nowak praised the level of competition throughout the season and highlighted Versoix’s ability to perform under pressure.
“We have seen incredibly close and high-class sailing throughout this entire season. The fact that the Final Four remained wide open until the very last second proves the enormous depth of experience we have in the league. Congratulations to Club Nautique de Versoix. They delivered an outstanding performance under immense pressure and truly deserve to take the title to Switzerland for the first time.”
VERSOIX ALSO SECURES THE FIRST 2027 FINAL FOUR TICKET
The Swiss club’s victory also guarantees its place in next year’s championship.
As the reigning champion, Club Nautique de Versoix receives a wildcard for the 2027 SAILING Champions League and becomes the first confirmed finalist for next season.
The 2026 season concluded with the official awards ceremony at the Hotel Kieler Yacht Club, which hosted the athletes throughout the weekend.
Kiel Mayor Gerwin Stöcken was present to hand the championship trophy to the newly crowned winners and congratulate the team on its historic achievement.
The dates and venues for the 2027 SAILING Champions League will be announced shortly.
