The Regatta of Champions – The R.O.C. is a pioneering international sailing championship held in Limassol, Cyprus in November 2026, featuring elite Optimist and ILCA4 sailors competing for the Champions Cup and €33,000 in academic scholarships.
The participation fee covers registration, accommodation, meals, and boat charter actual costs. One or two boats accommodate all coaches; however, optional coach boat charters are available per coach.
Participating sailors and coaches compete for the Champions Cup and academic scholarship prize money of €33,000, which is awarded to the top 10 sailors in the form of scholarships for academic expenses and to the top 3 coaches in the form of prizes.
All details and rich photographic material from previous events are available on the official website www.regattaofchampions.com. The event also features live streaming service for worldwide viewers.
Regatta of Champions – The R.O.C. is a pioneering international sailing event organized by Famagusta Nautical Club. After several years of reviewing Optimist sailing events worldwide and studying changes in sailing, the organizers created this innovative championship format that has never been done before worldwide.
The event invites the top 45 Optimist sailors from around the world, selected through a formula based on difficulty of events. Invitations are sent to top sailors from the World Championships and all Continental Championships (European, North & South America, Asia and Oceania, and Africa). At least 20% of invitations go to the other gender. Additional Wild Cards are available for sailors to claim during 2025, including one for the National Champion of the host country, 10 for top sailors from The R.O.C. Kosmos subsidiary event in Athens, and 8 split between two sailing camps.
The Optimist Championship takes place over one week with 5 competition days and numerous events. Participating sailors and coaches compete for the Champions Cup and academic scholarship prize money of €33,000, awarded to the top 10 sailors as scholarships for academic expenses and to the top 3 coaches as prizes.
This year, following intense global interest, the organizers are also hosting the 1st International Regatta of Champions – The R.O.C. ILCA4, adopting the exact same pattern with 40 athletes instead of 45. The subsidiary competition The R.O.C. Kosmos will also be organized for the ILCA4 category in Athens, giving 18 participating athletes the opportunity to claim a wild card.
The participation fee covers registration, accommodation, meals, and boat charter actual costs. Optional coach boat charters are available per coach. All details and photographic material from previous events are available on the official website www.regattaofchampions.com, which also features live streaming service for worldwide viewers.
Regatta of Champions – The R.O.C. Optimist: 08 – 15 November 2026
Regatta of Champions – The R.O.C. ILCA4: 22 – 29 November 2026
