The city of Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, is just days away from welcoming another major international sailing event. From January 24 to 31, sailors from around the world will arrive in the state capital to compete in the Test Event for the 2027 World Sailing World Championship (International Federation). Registered athletes will compete in the iQFoil, Formula Kite, ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 classes, with racing scheduled to begin on January 26 — click here to access the Notice of Race.
“The main objective of the Test Event is to evaluate the three race courses in Fortaleza, the competition venues, onshore operations, and the race management team on the water. All of this will be carried out in collaboration with World Sailing representatives and international race officials. After the event, World Sailing will conduct an overall assessment, a report will be sent to CBVela, and improvements will be discussed in meetings,” said Walter Boddener, Events Manager at the Brazilian Sailing Confederation (CBVela).
“It is important to highlight that sailing is considered a complex sport in terms of organization, as it also involves the entire logistics of the participating teams, such as international container transport, movement of racing and organizational boats, technology, as well as live broadcasting and media operations. CBVela’s competition team will be present in Fortaleza and expects to learn a great deal from World Sailing and international officials, so that Brazil can organize and deliver an unforgettable 2027 World Championship,” he added.
“The city of Fortaleza has a growing sailing tradition and, with ideal conditions for water sports, we are looking forward to delivering an exceptional edition of the Sailing World Championship. The Test Event is an opportunity to fine-tune details, work alongside World Sailing and the athletes, and ensure that everything is ready for the main event in January 2027,” emphasized Daniel Azevedo, President of CBVela.
In 2025, the city hosted the BRB Brazil Cup of Beach Sailing for the fifth time, a competition that has become a tradition on CBVela’s annual calendar. In addition, Brazil has accumulated a series of international events in recent years, highlighted by the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the 2023 Youth Sailing World Championship in Búzios, a World Sailing event.
“Brazil has an enormous sailing tradition and an outstanding capacity to host major events. With this background and the confidence of World Sailing, the Confederation is ready for another challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the support of all sponsors and partners involved, such as the Ministry of Sport, the state and federal governments, as well as the City Hall of Fortaleza — a city that will celebrate its 300th anniversary in April this year and that has been fundamental to the realization of this competition. We are confident that we will deliver yet another great event,” highlighted Marco Aurélio de Sá Ribeiro, Secretary Director of the Confederation.
Brazilian Formula Kite highlights confirmed
Brazil’s top sailor at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Maranhão native Bruno Lobo, is confirmed for the Test Event. With two Pan American titles and eight Brazilian national titles, the athlete is one of the leading international highlights in the Formula Kite class. In 2024, he was named Sailor of the Year at the Brazil Olympic Award, presented annually by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB).
Also confirmed is Lucas Fonseca, one of the great prospects of the class. The young sailor, also from Maranhão, has already achieved significant results, including gold medals at the 2024 Youth World Championship and the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, as well as a top-10 finish at last year’s French Olympic Sailing Week.
“We will also take this opportunity to hold a Training Camp with both athletes from January 13 to 26. This exchange is very positive and prepares them for the season, while also helping them adapt to the conditions of the Test Event, which begins shortly afterward,” explained Juan Sienra, CBVela’s Sports Manager.
