The city of Tangier officially launched the Optimist World Championship on Friday, welcoming a record participation of 73 countries from across the five continents in a major international sailing event hosted in Morocco for the first time on the African continent.
The championship is being held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI and is organized by the Royal Moroccan Sailing Federation in partnership with the Royal Yacht Club of Tangier, under the supervision of the International Optimist Dinghy Association. More than 380 young sailors aged between 12 and 16 are taking part in the competition.
During the opening ceremony at Tangier Marina Bay, International Optimist Dinghy Association President Ricardo Navarro described the championship as one of the most significant events in youth sailing worldwide, praising the organizational efforts deployed by Morocco and highlighting the event’s role in fostering friendship and cultural exchange among young participants.
Royal Moroccan Sailing Federation President Ahmed Bennani stated that the 2026 edition stands out for the record number of participating countries and competitors, noting that hosting the championship reflects the confidence international sporting bodies place in Morocco’s ability to organize major global events.
For his part, Royal Yacht Club of Tangier Vice President Adel Moudni revealed that the competition has attracted 389 sailors accompanied by technical staff and family members, surpassing the participation figures recorded during the previous edition, which brought together 67 countries.
Several participating delegations also praised the quality of the organization, the welcoming atmosphere, and the facilities offered by Tangier, emphasizing the city’s strategic location and maritime potential.
Competitors will be divided into four groups, with the top 25 sailors from each group advancing to the Gold Fleet, where they will compete for the world title.
Alongside the championship, organizers have established a dedicated village for participants and their families at Tangier Marina Bay, as well as an exhibition showcasing local products and traditional crafts from northern Morocco. The opening ceremony also featured international folkloric and musical performances as part of the fifth edition of the “Feshta Tangier of Nations” festival.