On Sunday afternoon (25), the Marina Park Hotel in Fortaleza, Ceará, hosted the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World Sailing Test Event, a preparatory competition for the 2027 World Sailing Championships. Athletes from 32 countries will compete in the regattas, scheduled from Monday (26) through Friday (30), in the ILCA 6, ILCA 7, Formula Kite and iQFoil classes.
Organized by the Brazilian Sailing Federation (CBVela) in partnership with the Ceará State Sailing and Powerboating Federation (FVMEC), the event is supported by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Sport, and by the City of Fortaleza, via the Municipal Secretariat of Sport and Leisure and the Municipal Secretariat of Tourism.
Late Saturday afternoon, following another day of training sessions, athletes and technical teams gathered at Marina Park for the official ceremony, which was met with great enthusiasm by all in attendance.
“This is a major achievement for the entire CBVela team and the Ceará State Sailing and Powerboating Federation. I would like to extend a very special thank-you to World Sailing for being here and for trusting our work to deliver one of the largest sailing events ever held in Brazil. Thank you very much, and fair winds to all,” said Daniel Azevedo, President of the Brazilian Sailing Confederation.
“We are very grateful to all the teams who are here. We hope it will be a great week. Fortaleza is a fantastic venue, with all the right ingredients. I am sure we will have an incredible championship,” commented Matt Wheaton, World Sailing representative.
Several authorities attended the event, including members of the Navy, municipal officials, and representatives from local and federal governments. Among them was Iziane Castro Marques, representing the Ministry of Sport, who officially declared the event open at the conclusion of the ceremony. “We thank everyone for being here and wish fair winds for another great competition on Brazilian soil.”
Stay up to date with more information and news at cbvela.com.br/worldsailing.
