Santos-Rio Regatta to change finish line location in 2026

The 76th Santos-Rio Regatta, scheduled for October 22, 2026, will feature a significant course change. For the first time since 2011, the finish line will move from the Guanabara Bay to Ilha Rasa, located approximately 10 kilometers from the bay's entrance.

The Brazilian Ocean Sailing Association (ABVO), the Santos Yacht Club, and the Rio de Janeiro Yacht Club announced the change to address hydrodynamic issues. The current currents at the mouth of Guanabara Bay can reach 1.6 meters per second, which organizers say can unfairly decide the race based on tide timing rather than pure strategy. Moving the finish to Ilha Rasa aims to provide more equitable conditions for all competitors by keeping vessels in open water.

The 2026 event will also serve as the Brazilian Ocean Championship. Olympic medalist Torben Grael is set to compete with the Magia IV, seeking his ninth corrected-time victory in the event. The ORC class is expected to see high participation, including the current Brazilian champion Eduardo Plass with the Crioula 52.