Fortaleza test event sets the stage for a successful 2027 World Sailing Championship

Serving as the primary dress rehearsal for the 2027 World Sailing Championships in Fortaleza, the Test Event brought together 50 athletes from 28 nations, competing in lively and challenging conditions. The week of exciting racing confirmed Fortaleza’s readiness to host a world-class championship, which will serve as a main qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The seven-day regatta, held from 24–31 January 2026, focused on the one-person events — Men’s and Women’s Windsurfing (iQFOiL), Men’s and Women’s Formula Kite, and Men’s and Women’s Dinghy (ILCA 6 and ILCA 7). It allowed organisers to test operations, technology, race areas and media infrastructure in a live competition environment.

Athletes were welcomed by the famous trade winds of Northeastern Brazil, with gusts frequently reaching 20–24 knots. Local favourites and international stars shared the podium as fleets pushed their equipment to the limits in the warm Atlantic swells.

Operational Excellence

Beyond the sporting results, the regatta served as a vital operational stress test for the organisers, Confederação Brasileira de Vela (CBVela) and World Sailing. Two venues were evaluated — Marina Park Hotel, hosting the dinghy and windsurfing events, and Iracema Beach, hosting the kite events. All aspects of delivery were assessed, including race management systems, logistics, officiating, tracking, berthing and the suitability of the proposed race areas.

“The goal was to fine-tune the machinery behind the scenes,” said Daniel Azevedo, President of CBVela. “Fortaleza has a growing sailing heritage, and this week proved that our infrastructure and our natural conditions are world-class. We are ready to welcome the world back in 2027.”

Azevedo also highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships. “This Test Event was only possible thanks to the strong collaboration with the Brazilian Federal Government, through the Ministry of Sport, and with the City of Fortaleza, via the Municipal Secretariats of Tourism and Sport and Leisure. The commitment and leadership of Secretary Denise Carrá and Secretary Anderson Pinheiro were fundamental in ensuring the operational structure, logistics and public support required to meet World Sailing’s international standards and to position Fortaleza as a strategic destination for major global sporting events.”

The role of the host city was reinforced by Anderson Pinheiro, Secretary of Sport and Leisure of Fortaleza.

“This Test Event demonstrates that Fortaleza is ready to host major international competitions,” said Pinheiro. “With a privileged coastline, the event drives sport, tourism and the local economy. Mayor Evandro Leitão has consistently supported and invested in sport and major events, and the city has everything to gain from initiatives of this scale.”

“The return of Olympic sailing to Fortaleza is extremely exciting,” added Matt Wheaton, World Sailing Technical Delegate. “The Test Event was an important exercise for all stakeholders, providing valuable insights and learnings. The venue has great potential to showcase Olympic sailing, and we are confident the championships will highlight the region and leave a lasting legacy in an area already renowned for recreational water sports.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

The Test Event was an important benchmark for the 2027 World Sailing Championships, which will be the first to adopt a split-venue format. While Fortaleza will host the one-person events in January 2027, the two-person events will take place in Gdynia, Poland, in July 2027.