BODRUM, Türkiye — Bodrum is set to host one of the key events on Europe’s youth dinghy sailing calendar as the 2026 ILCA Under-21 European Championships & Open European Trophy comes to Türkiye from 9–16 October 2026.
The championship will bring together Europe’s leading young ILCA sailors for a week of high-level fleet racing in the waters off Bodrum, one of Türkiye’s best-known sailing destinations.
The event is organised under the authority of EurILCA, with the Turkish Sailing Federation (TYF) and B.B. Bodrumspor Sailing Branch among the organisations involved in hosting the championship. The event has also been officially confirmed as the 2026 venue for the ILCA Under-21 European Championships by the European region of the ILCA Class Association.
Up to 240 sailors
According to the official EurILCA event information, the championship is a restricted-entry, allocated championship, with total participation limited to 240 sailors. Competitors must apply through the national association allocation process before being accepted for the event.
The entry process opened in June, while the official entry deadline is listed as 13 September 2026. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of EurILCA.
For young sailors competing at the Under-21 level, the Bodrum championship represents an important step in the transition from youth sailing into senior international competition.
Bodrum ready for another major international sailing event
Bodrum has established itself as an important sailing centre on Türkiye’s Aegean coast, with its combination of established sailing infrastructure, extensive racing waters and reliable Mediterranean sailing conditions making it a regular venue for international events.
The 2026 ILCA Under-21 Europeans will add another major international championship to the region’s sailing calendar.
The event will run from Friday 9 October through Friday 16 October 2026, with racing and championship activities taking place in Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye.
For sailors travelling to the championship, the organisers have also announced charter options covering ILCA boats and coach/support RIBs, including a fleet of new ILCA boats available through the event arrangements.
A major stage for the next generation
The ILCA class remains one of the world’s most widely recognised single-handed dinghy racing classes, providing a direct competitive pathway for sailors progressing through youth, Under-21 and senior levels.
With a 240-sailor entry cap and national allocation system, the Bodrum championship is expected to provide a highly competitive international fleet and another significant test for Europe’s emerging generation of dinghy sailors.
The 2026 ILCA Under-21 European Championships & Open European Trophy will take place in Bodrum, Türkiye, from 9–16 October 2026.
Official event website:
2026 ILCA Under-21 Europeans – Official Event Website
EurILCA event page:
EurILCA – 2026 ILCA U21 Europeans
