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The 2026 Optimist World Championship brought together 284 young sailors from around the world in Tangier, Morocco. After twelve races and the discarding of the worst result, Manuel Bragança claimed the world title with 65 points, thanks to a particularly consistent week of racing.
An eclectic lineup
The Brazilian leads the Swiss rider Elliot Novara, who is in second place with 89 points, and the Maltese rider Andrei Zhakhov, who is in third place with 98 points. Nicolas Bastard of Spain and Andrea Demurtas of Italy round out the top five. Among the women, Ines Mendez Larminaux of Puerto Rico finished as the top female competitor and sixth overall, ahead of Margaux Nguyen Minh of Hong Kong and Mara Peñalver of Spain.
With this victory, Manuel Bragança becomes the second Brazilian to add his name to the Optimist World Championship roll of honor, five years after Alex Kuhl, who was crowned champion in 2021. Brazil also leaves Tangier with the Nations Cup, which recognizes the team?s best overall performance.
Bastien Cerrato, the top French player
On the French side, Bastien Cerrato finished as the top French competitor in 41st place with 289 points. He finished ahead of Paul Masson (45th), Lilou Backes (65th), Quentin Noël (82nd), and Martin Berder (155th). The results show that the French delegation made it into the Gold Fleet but was far from the battle for the top spots this year.
Spain has finally cemented its dominance in team competition by winning the IODA Challenge Cup?awarded to the winner of the World Team Championship?for the third consecutive year.
