From 20 to 27 June 2026, Bregenz will become the meeting place for international 8-metre racing yachts. The Yacht Club Bregenz will then be hosting the World Championship for this long-established class. Last weekend, the classic 8-metre yachts were already practising off Langenargen. YACHT photographer Tobias Stoerkle has captured the best moments in the gallery.
The 8mR BMK Classic Regatta was organised by the LOCEMA 8mR Class, Lake Constance organised by the association of 8 mR yachts based on Lake Constance, comprising the First, Second and Third Rule classes. The venue was the BMK Marina in Langenargen. This made the regatta an ideal preparation for the upcoming World Championship.
World Championship with a large turnout
For the World Championships, 19 classic boats from seven nations and around 150 sailors are expected. With less than a month to go before the start, the organisers are in the final stages of preparation. The Bregenz Yacht Club is working intensively with its partners on the final preparations.
A special highlight is in store right at the start: on Sunday 21 June 2026, the World Championship will officially open with a grand opening ceremony at Bregenz Harbour at 4 pm. The event is open to the public and offers the chance to see the yachts and crews up close.
Famous sailors
Werner Deuring will also be taking part alongside the international field of competitors. The Bregenz native is president of the International Eight Metre Association (IEMA) and is competing in the World Championship on his yacht, the ‘Pandora’.
"The 8mR yachts combine sporting competition with unique tradition and elegance. The fact that the 2026 World Championship is to be held in Bregenz is something special for the whole class,"
says Werner Deuring. “Sailing the World Championship in my home port aboard the Pandora is a personal highlight for me.”
A great deal of attention from the sailing community
The organising committee is also looking forward to the event with great anticipation. “We can already sense the huge interest in this World Championship within the sailing community,” says Wolfgang Mähr, President of the organising committee. “Our aim is not only to provide the teams and guests with perfect sporting conditions, but also to enable them to experience the special atmosphere of Lake Constance and the city of Bregenz.”
As well as the races, the World Championships are also set to become a hub for sailing and hospitality on land.
More classics in YACHT classic
Are you interested in the world of classic yachts, traditional boatbuilding and the history of sailing? If so, read more about it in our special edition, YACHT classic.
