Star World Championship to Race on Biscayne Bay

Miami hosts 97 teams from 17 nations for six races starting Monday, 9 November, 2026.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Swimming

Expressive sports illustration of two keelboats heeling sharply while racing on turquoise bay water, with a distant Miami skyline behind. — Ninety-seven teams from 17 nations will race six Star World Championship races on Biscayne Bay in Miami, starting Monday, November 9. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The 2026 Star World Championship, a six-race regatta on Biscayne Bay, begins in Miami with 97 teams from 17 nations, including three entries from the Cork-based O'Leary sailing family. Registration and inspections open Thursday, 5 November, with the first warning signal on Monday, 9 November.

Why it matters

For sailing fans in Miami, the championship brings one of the largest fleets in the class to Biscayne Bay for a week of racing. The O'Leary family's presence adds a notable Irish storyline, following Peter O'Leary and Joost Houweling's sixth-place finish at the 99th Bacardi Cup in March.

The field is drawn from the published entry list of 97 teams representing 17 nations, with six races scheduled on Biscayne Bay. Results are not yet available, as the championship's first warning signal is set for 9 November.

The players

Coral Reef Yacht Club

Miami yacht club hosting the 2026 Star World Championship on Biscayne Bay.

Peter O'Leary

Irish sailor from Cork who finished sixth overall at the 99th Bacardi Cup with Joost Houweling.

Robert O'Leary

Irish sailor from Cork entered in the 2026 Star World Championship with Fionn Lyden.

Anthony O'Leary

Irish sailor from Cork entered in the 2026 Star World Championship with Phil Toth.

Paul Cayard

Veteran American sailor who won the 2025 Star World Championship and the 2026 Bacardi Cup with Frithjof Kleen.

The details

The Star is a two-person keelboat class founded in 1911 and sailed as an Olympic class from 1932 to 2012. Racing is held over six championship races on Biscayne Bay, hosted by the Coral Reef Yacht Club. Before racing begins, teams complete registration, equipment inspections and weigh-ins on Thursday, 5 November, with a practice race scheduled for Sunday, 8 November.

Thursday, 5 November 2026: Registration, inspections and team weigh-ins begin.
Sunday, 8 November 2026: Practice race scheduled.
Monday, 9 November 2026, 12:55 pm local time: First championship warning signal.
9 to 14 November 2026: Six championship races held on Biscayne Bay.
Saturday, 14 November 2026: Final scheduled championship race.

Health Landscape

The Star class was an Olympic event from 1932 to 2012 and has since continued as a major international keelboat competition. The 2026 World Championship, with 97 teams, reflects its ongoing global participation even after Olympic status ended.

Anyone following the regatta can track race conditions and results as they unfold, which is a low-key way to enjoy outdoor activity. Readers who sail or spectate on the water should follow local guidance on sun exposure and hydration during long racing days.

The takeaway

Sailing a six-race regatta is demanding, so staying hydrated and protected from sun on the water is a sensible habit for competitors and spectators alike. Those planning to be active outdoors for extended periods can discuss personal sun and heat precautions with their physician.