International 420 Class announces expanded 2026–2027 European Circuit Calendar

International 420 Class announces expanded 2026–2027 European Circuit Calendar © International 420 Class Association

The International 420 Class Association has announced the calendar for the 2026-2027 European Circuit, confirming an expanded programme of 10 regattas following the successful introduction of the series during the 2025-2026 season.

The second edition will feature events across Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia, France, Hungary, Lithuania and Germany, bringing together a range of established regattas under a single European ranking structure.

Designed to increase international racing opportunities and encourage participation across national borders, the European Circuit provides a season-long competition while allowing sailors to select the events that best suit their racing programmes.

An expanded calendar across Europe

The 2026-2027 Circuit will open with Athens International Sailing Week in Greece from 19-27 November 2026, followed by the Imperia Winter Regatta in Italy from 5-8 December and the Palamós Christmas Race in Spain from 18-22 December.

The programme resumes in February 2027 with the Portugal Grand Prix - Round 2 and the Zadar Regatta in Croatia, followed by the Izola Spring Cup in Slovenia from 25-28 March and the Kereked Ifi Kupa in Hungary from 15-17 May.

The calendar also includes CIMA in France, with dates to be confirmed.

The final stages of the Circuit will take place in Northern Europe, with the North European Championship scheduled for 10-13 June in Nida, Lithuania, followed by Kiel Week in Germany, scheduled for 19-27 June 2027.

2026-2027 European Circuit Calendar

• 19-27 November 2026: Athens International Sailing Week (Greece)
• 5-8 December 2026: Imperia Winter Regatta (Italy)
• 18-22 December 2026: Palamós Christmas Race (Spain)
• 25-28 February 2027: Portugal Grand Prix - Round 2 (Portugal)
• 26-28 February 2027: Zadar Regatta (Croatia)
• 25-28 March 2027: Izola Spring Cup (Slovenia)
• TBC: CIMA (France)
• 15-17 May 2027: Kereked Ifi Kupa (Hungary)
• 10-13 June 2027: North European Championship (Lithuania)
• 19-27 June 2027: Kiel Week (Germany)

Please note: Event dates and details are subject to change. Dates marked as TBC (To Be Confirmed) will be updated once officially announced by the respective organisers.

A flexible format encouraging international participation

The European Circuit ranking system allows sailors to participate in as many events as they choose, with their four best results counting towards the overall standings.

The format provides flexibility for teams with different racing programmes and travel requirements, while maintaining a competitive season-long ranking.

By incorporating regattas across multiple European regions, the Circuit aims to create more opportunities for international competition and bring the 420 sailing community closer together.

Building on the success of the inaugural season

Following the positive reception of the first edition, the International 420 Class Association is looking to build on the Circuit's momentum, expanding its geographical reach and strengthening its role in the international 420 calendar.

José Massapina, President of the International 420 Class Association, commented: "Following the success of the inaugural European Circuit, we are delighted to take another step forward with an expanded calendar for the 2026-2027 season. Our goal is to create more opportunities for 420 sailors to compete internationally, experience different sailing venues and connect with the wider 420 community.

With 10 regattas across Europe and a flexible format that counts each crew's four best results, we want to make the Circuit both competitive and accessible, while continuing to strengthen the relationships between our national fleets and event organisers."

The expansion to 10 regattas marks another step in the development of the European Circuit, reinforcing the International 420 Class Association's commitment to providing sailors with a broader range of racing opportunities and supporting the growth of the class across Europe.

Additional information regarding individual regattas, registration procedures and Circuit rankings will be published through the International 420 Class Association's official communication channels.