A spectacular venue, a historic anniversary, and thrilling duels on the water: The 2026 Shark 24 World Championship in Belleville, Canada, will long remain in the memory of the German-speaking fleet. Right in the thick of the top-tier field of 48 boats: three Austrian and two German crews who made the long journey across the Atlantic.
First-class hospitality at the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club
The setting couldn’t have been more festive, as the World Championship coincided with the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the historic Bay of Quinte Yacht Club. The European teams were able to set up camp right on the club grounds in massive trailers—it hardly could have been any closer to the action.
Even the start of each day left nothing to be desired: Every morning, the sailors were treated to a first-class breakfast before getting down to the mental and physical preparation for the races.
A Test of Patience and Thrills on the Water
The first day of racing initially tested the crews’ patience—with no wind, the sails remained flat. But the wait was worth it, as the long-awaited wind picked up in the following days and pushed the teams to their limits. The logistics on the vast Bay of Quinte were challenging enough as it was: every morning, the crews first had to make an hour-long trip just to reach the starting area.
In the fiercely competitive field of 48 boats, the crews didn’t give an inch. From a European perspective, the crew of the AUT 2020 provided an absolute highlight: With a tactical masterstroke and perfect boat speed, the Austrian team secured the much-celebrated race victory in the third race!
Unforgettable parties and true camaraderie
On land, too, the Canadian hosts showed how to celebrate such a double anniversary. The supporting program offered the perfect mix of action and socializing. Whether it was athletic throwing games, boisterous dragon boat races, rousing live music, or the legendary evening parties—interaction between the nations was always front and center.
Grateful for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
At the end of the World Championship week, the Austrian and German teams look back on an intense, successful, and above all, harmonious time. The combination of top-class sailing and overwhelming Canadian hospitality made this trip an unforgettable adventure.
A huge thank you goes to the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club for the organization and the warm welcome. We are happy and grateful to have been part of this historic event!
Andreas, Claudia und Alfred AUT 2020