A new circuit to structure, unite and energise the premier sports catamaran class in Europe
The International Formula 18 Class Association announces the official launch of the F18 European Tour 2026, a new continental circuit built around four major events scheduled between April and September.
The project was born from a spontaneous discussion between sailors during the last F18 World Championship in the Netherlands, based on a widely shared observation: despite the vitality of the fleet at World Championships and the many events organised across Europe, the season lacked clarity, consistency and coordination.
Over the past years, the multiplication of regattas has scattered the fleet, fragmented participation in national championships and made sports planning more complex. Yet the success of the 2024 and 2025 World Championships clearly shows how strong and passionate the F18 community remains. The issue was not to organise more events, but to organise them better – fewer events, but stronger events.
The F18 European Tour is the answer to this challenge. The circuit is based on four major regattas in four countries, ideally spaced about two months apart to allow for maximum participation. To be included in the overall ranking, a team must count three results out of the four Acts. The World Championship automatically becomes one of the Tour’s Acts when it is held in Europe. When it is hosted outside Europe – as will be the case in 2026 with the Worlds in Australia at the beginning of the year – the European Championship becomes the central event of the Tour.
The ambition of the class is that this European Tour, inaugurated in 2026, will become a long-term annual fixture, renewed each season and established as the backbone of the F18 calendar in Europe.
A clear and focused European calendar
Opening event of the F18 European Tour 2026, hosted in Barcelona and marking the official launch of the new continental circuit.
Second Act of the Tour, held in La Rochelle, one of Europe’s major sailing hubs and a key venue for the F18 fleet.
Central event of the season and official F18 European Championship, gathering the strongest teams of the Tour
Final Act of the Tour in Hellevoetsluis, decisive for the overall ranking of the F18 European Tour 2026.