The Canadian Shark Class Association extends its congratulations to all competitors who participated in the 2026 Shark World Championship, hosted by the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club in Belleville, Ontario. Over five outstanding days of racing, 48 teams from Canada, the United States, Germany, and Austria competed in eight highly competitive races, showcasing the very best of international one-design sailing.
The Bay of Quinte provided sailors with a full range of conditions, from light tactical breezes to stronger winds that challenged boat handling, teamwork, and consistency. Every race presented a new test, rewarding crews who adapted quickly while maintaining speed and precision.
After eight races, the championship was decided by remarkably consistent performances from the leading boats. Congratulations to our 2026 Shark World Champions:
Jonathan Livingston Seagull (CAN 276) – Peter Van Rossem, Matt Fair, and Josh Wilby – 2026 Shark World Champions and winners of the Metzger Trophy.
The remaining top five finishers demonstrated the exceptional depth of competition throughout the fleet:
- Crunch (CAN 1767) – Josh Wiwcharyk, Alex Letchford, and Chris Clarke (Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club)
- Gartner (CAN 441) – Martha Henderson, Jennifer Provan, and Jeffrey Gillmeister
- 4th – Haj (CAN 335) – Graham Jones, Marty Shaw, and Jeff Moore
- 5th – Frankley Scarlet (CAN 336) – Jeff Mitchell, Peter Aker, and Matt Giesebrecht
The championship also featured the traditional Long Distance Race, where the crew of Tac Boston, joined at the last minute by Jen Dolan and Nik Lintunen from the Sarnia Yacht Club, secured the Long Distance Race victory aboard Maniac. Their outstanding performance in changing conditions was a fitting highlight of the week.
Beyond the racing, competitors enjoyed exceptional hospitality from the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club and its dedicated volunteers. Months of planning by the organizing committee, race management team, and volunteers resulted in a world-class championship that will be remembered by sailors from all four participating nations.
On behalf of the Canadian Shark Class Association, we would like to congratulate Peter Van Rossem, Matt Fair, and Josh Wilby on capturing the 2026 Shark World Championship and the Metzger Trophy. Their consistency, teamwork, and sailing excellence set the standard throughout the regatta.
Thank you as well to every competitor, volunteer, race official, sponsor, and supporter who made this championship such a tremendous success. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit displayed throughout the week continue to demonstrate why the Shark Class remains one of the premier one-design fleets in the world.
We are also excited to announce that the 2027 Shark World Championship will be hosted by the Sarnia Yacht Club in September 2027. We look forward to welcoming the international Shark fleet to Sarnia for another outstanding week of world-class racing, friendly competition, and Shark Class camaraderie.
Congratulations once again to all competitors, and we look forward to seeing everyone on the starting line in Sarnia next September.
JLS Wins 2026 Coupe Du Quebec Regatta!
