Mela Wins 2026 RS21 World Championship in Cannes
Andrea Rossi's crew took the title by four points over Torpyone at the 40-boat event held October 28 to 31.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Swimming
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Andrea Rossi's Mela crew won the 2026 RS21 World Championship in Cannes, France, finishing four points ahead of Torpyone (ITA 239). The 40-team fleet from 13 nations raced for four days in light winds that put a premium on tactics, with the title undecided until the final day.
Why it matters
The result underscores how tightly contested the RS21 class has become, with the title decided by a narrow margin after tactically demanding conditions. The event also showed the class's growing international reach, drawing entries from 13 nations.
The championship featured 40 teams from 13 nations, with Mela winning by four points over Torpyone. The source does not report scoring details for the other top finishers beyond Les Freaks in third.
The players
Andrea Rossi
Andrea Rossi skippered the Mela crew that won the 2026 RS21 World Championship in Cannes.
Marco Pocci
Marco Pocci skippered Les Freaks, the defending champions, who finished third at the 2026 championship.
Edoardo Lupi
Edoardo Lupi skippered Torpyone, which finished second behind Mela at the 2026 championship.
The details
Mela (ITA 241) took the title ahead of Torpyone (ITA 239), which was skippered by Edoardo Lupi with Francesco Bruni as tactician. Les Freaks (HKG 295), skippered by Marco Pocci and the defending champions, finished third.
Timeline
28 to 31 October 2026: 2026 RS21 World Championship racing in Cannes, France.
2027: The World Championship moves to Weymouth, UK, the event's first UK staging.
March 2027: A new Dutch RS21 series starts.
Season Trajectory
The RS21 World Championship continues to rotate across European venues, with the 2027 edition moving to Weymouth for the event's first UK staging. The Hellenic Sailing League's growth to 20 RS21 boats in its first season also signals expanding national participation in the class.
Sailors and fantasy-style competition followers can note the title went to Mela by four points after a tactical four-day event. The class's 2027 calendar shift to Weymouth gives UK-based crews a closer championship venue.
The takeaway
Narrow margins and light-wind tactics decided this championship, a reminder that consistency across four days matters as much as outright speed. Crews planning for the 2027 Weymouth event can use this result as a benchmark for the level of competition.
What happens next
The 2027 World Championship moves to Weymouth, UK, and a new Dutch RS21 series begins in March 2027.
Further reading
For more coverage of competitive water sports, see our Swimming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ireland Afloat.
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