Irish repeat as J/24 World Champions

Cillian Dickson’s Headcase (IRL) defended their J/24 World title, winning the 2026 championship held November 7-11 in Victoria, Australia. After entering the final day two points off the lead, the Irish posted a 1-2-3 to claim victory by 12 points. They also took the Corinthian title while Samuel Hopper’s Saltine (USA) won the 5-boat Youth Corinthian division.

The championship opened in demanding conditions, with winds of 20 to 30 knots and big seas. Broaches, breakages and retirements tested crews early in the series. However, the following days brought a very different test: first a mid-teens breeze, then light, shifting air below five knots. When the eighth race was abandoned on the penultimate day, three races on the final day completed the 10-race series.

Thirty-eight teams had crew ranging from 14 to over 80 years of age with ten nations represented: Argentina, Australia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and USA.

Details: https://sailingresults.net/?ID=82327

Source: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2026/11/11/irish-repeat-as-j-24-world-champions/