Spain Crowned 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Champions in Campione del Garda
Spain has been crowned the 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Champion after an outstanding performance on the final day of racing in Campione del Garda, defeating Türkiye 2–0 in the championship final to secure the European title.
After four days of exciting and closely contested competition on Lake Garda, the Spanish team of Pedro Burgues Pastor, Mary Anne Osha Perez, Maria de Lluc Bestard Mas and Jan Palou Espinar emerged victorious, overcoming a Turkish team that had led the standings for much of the championship.
Host nation Italy completed the podium, securing the bronze medal with a convincing 2–0 victory over Poland in the third-place match.
The championship brought together 64 young sailors from 16 European nations, showcasing outstanding teamwork, tactical awareness and the competitive spirit that makes Optimist team racing such an exciting discipline.
Four Nations Battle for the European Crown
Following three days of intense competition, the championship entered its decisive knockout stage, with Spain, Türkiye, Italy and Poland competing for the European title.
Spain faced host nation Italy in one semi-final, while Türkiye took on Poland in the other. Both encounters were contested in a best-of-three format, with the winners advancing to the championship final.
Spain overcame Italy to secure their place in the title-deciding series, while Türkiye maintained their impressive championship momentum by defeating Poland.
Having occupied the leading positions throughout the event, Spain and Türkiye were set for a highly anticipated showdown for the European crown.
Italy Secures Bronze on Home Waters
After missing out on a place in the final, Italy returned to the racecourse determined to secure a podium finish in front of the home crowd.
The Italian team, comprising Matteo Faraoni, Marta Pisoni, Annalie Meoni and Filippo Nardocci, delivered an excellent performance against Poland, winning both races to claim the bronze medal.
Italy's podium finish capped a strong championship campaign, having climbed from fourth place after the opening day to finish among Europe's top three Optimist team racing nations.
Poland concluded the championship in fourth place, following an impressive campaign that saw the team reach the final knockout stage.
Spain Triumphs in the Championship Final
The championship final brought together two teams that had consistently demonstrated outstanding performances throughout the week.
Türkiye entered the final having led the standings after the round-robin stages, but the Spanish team rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Displaying excellent teamwork, tactical intelligence and composure under pressure, Spain secured two consecutive victories to win the final 2–0, claiming the 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Championship title without the need for a deciding race.
The triumph was particularly meaningful for Maria de Lluc Bestard Mas, who added the European Team Racing title to her two previous European girls' fleet racing titles, bringing her Optimist career to a memorable conclusion.
Reflecting on the achievement, the newly crowned European Team Racing Champion shared:
"This is my last IODA event, as I'm moving on to another class. I'm so happy to see all the hard work—not just my own, but the whole team's—rewarded with this victory."
For Maria de Lluc, winning her third European title alongside her teammates was a fitting farewell to the Optimist class, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in her young sailing career.
Türkiye finished as European runners-up after an exceptional championship, having demonstrated impressive consistency and teamwork throughout the competition.
Four Days Celebrating the Spirit of Team Racing
The 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Championship brought together 64 sailors from 16 European nations, providing four days of exciting competition against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Garda.
From the opening round robin to the Gold and Silver fleet stages, and finally the semi-finals and medal-deciding matches, the championship highlighted the unique qualities of team racing.
Unlike individual fleet racing, team racing demands that sailors combine their individual skills with collective strategy, communication and cooperation, where the success of the team depends on every sailor's contribution.
Beyond the podium, Greece secured fifth place, followed by Switzerland, France and Croatia.
Germany finished ninth, ahead of Sweden, Hungary, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Great Britain.
Final Standings – 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Championship
Spain – European Champions
Türkiye – Silver Medal
Italy – Bronze Medal
Poland
Greece
Switzerland
France
Croatia
Germany
Sweden
Hungary
Portugal
Denmark
Slovenia
Netherlands
Great Britain
A Successful Championship in Campione del Garda
The 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Championship, held from 13 to 17 October in Campione del Garda, was organised by Univela Sailing, under the auspices of the Italian Sailing Federation, with the support of Regione Lombardia and in cooperation with the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA).
IODA extends its sincere appreciation to the Organising Committee, Race Committee, International Jury, technical officials, volunteers, coaches and all those who contributed to the successful delivery of the championship.
Special congratulations go to the Spanish team on becoming the 2026 Optimist European Team Racing Champions, and to all participating nations for their dedication, sportsmanship and enthusiasm throughout the event.
The championship once again demonstrated the importance of team racing in developing young sailors, promoting not only competitive excellence but also friendship, respect and teamwork among the next generation of international sailors.
Next Stop: Uruguay for the 2026 Optimist South American Championship
With the European Team Racing Championship concluded, attention now turns to South America for the next major event on the IODA calendar.
The 2026 Optimist South American Championship will take place from 25 October to 1 November in Punta del Este, Uruguay, bringing together young sailors from across the continent and beyond for another exciting week of international Optimist racing.