Canada does it again at 49er Europeans

For the second year in a row, Georgia and Antonia Lewin-LaFrance are the 2026 49erFX European Champions. Saving their best day for the last day of racing, the Canadian sisters posted a 3-1-1 to take the title over 54 teams on July 7-12 in Eckernförde, Germany.

The Canadian team has now been on the podium for six of their last seven major events, finishing four times in first place during that run, while also registering a fourth-place result at the 2026 49erFX World Championship.

After being in 10th position after the second day of the six-day competition, they began their climb, moving up to second place the day after and then, keeping the lead position as of day four. Going into the Final Series, the sisters had a nine-point lead. However, the lack of wind led to the cancellation of the final day of competition.

“It’s been a really nice week, to be honest,” they said. “We didn’t have many expectations even though we had a good year last year. I think we still consider ourselves like underdogs and we still have lots to learn.

“Winning last year in Thessaloniki, Greece, was probably our first major title as a team and it was such a sweet feeling. We also remember winning bronze in 2021 there and just these amazing vibes coming in at sunset. So just the same feeling again, but here, in Germany, it’s pretty special.”

The 49er title was won by Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush (NZL) who have set a high bar in the class after repeating as European Champions and are the reigning World Champions. The top North American teams was Nevin Snow and Ian MacDiarmid (USA), finishing 13th in the 93-boat fleet.

Also being held was the Nacra 17 Europeans which was won by Swedes Emil Järudd and Hanna Jonsson, edging out 2020 Olympic silver medalists John Gimson and Anna Burnet (GBR) by four points. Finishing 18th in the 35-boat fleet was Stephan Baker/ Sophia Fisher (USA).

Details: https://49er.org/events/2026-european-championship/