Santos-Rio Regatta opens 2026 Brazilian Ocean Championship

The 76th Santos-Rio Regatta commenced on Thursday, marking the start of the 2026 Brazilian Ocean Championship. The competition involves a crossing of approximately 200 nautical miles from the Bay of Santos toward Ilha Rasa in Rio de Janeiro.

Thirty-five vessels departed under eastern wind conditions, forcing crews to navigate headwinds and bow waves. The championship features a total of 48 registered boats. Notable competitors in the ORC class include the Magia IV, crewed by five-time Olympic medalist Torben Grael, and the Crioula 52, led by current Brazilian ORC champion Eduardo Plass.

Other highlighted entries include Marcelo Bellotti’s Phytoervas 4Z and the Onda Phytoervas, which recently won the Super 40 title at the Ilhabela International Sailing Week. The event is organized by the Brazilian Ocean Sailing Association (ABVO) in partnership with the Yacht Clubs of Santos and Rio de Janeiro.