The historic waters of the Bay of Quinte recently set the stage for world-class sailing as the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club (BQYC) proudly hosted the 2026 Shark 24 World Championship Regatta. Running from June 27 through July 2, 2026, the prestigious international event brought high-stakes competition to Belleville, serving as a marquee highlight of BQYC’s milestone 150th anniversary celebrations.
Sanctioned by the International Shark Class Association (ISCA) and World Sailing, the regatta drew 148 elite sailors and 49 boats from across Canada, the United States, Germany, and Austria.
A Century and a Half of Waterfront Tradition
The International Shark Class Association specifically granted the 2026 World Championship to BQYC to honor the club’s sesquicentennial. Founded in 1876, BQYC is celebrating a century and a half of sailing excellence, community involvement, and waterfront tradition.
“This has been an extraordinary opportunity for our club and community,” said the Commodore of the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club. “We are honored to have hosted the international Shark sailing community and to showcase the outstanding sailing conditions, hospitality, and volunteer spirit that make the Bay of Quinte such a special destination.”
High-Performance, One-Design Racing
The Shark 24 is a legendary 24-foot fiberglass keelboat originally designed in the early 1960s by Canadian George Hinterhoeller in Niagara-on-the-Lake. As one of only 47 recognized one-design keelboat classes globally, the vessels feature a standardized design. This ensures that victory relies entirely on the tactical prowess, synchronization, and skill of the three-person crews.
Champions Crowned & Closing Celebrations
The week kicked off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony on Sunday, June 28, with competitors and guests. Following two days of no wind and inconsistent winds, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday had favourable winds for racing. The closing celebrations and awards ceremony were held on July 2, honoring the fleet’s top performers.
- Overall World Champions: Skipper Peter Van Rossem, alongside crew members Matt Fair and Josh Wilby from the Kingston Yacht Club, captured the world title aboard their boat, Jonathan Livingston Seagull Pictured Matt Fair, Peter Van Rossem Josh Wilby
- Long Distance Winners: The crew of Tac Boston, Nik Lintunen, and Philip Barnard from the Sarnia Yacht Club secured the Long Distance victory aboard Maniac.
- Highest finishing BQYC Airush helmed by Andreas Steintz, crewed by Evan King and Dan Steinitz in 9th place
Looking Forward
The Shark 24 World Championships represent just one chapter in BQYC’s monumental 150th year. The club’s sesquicentennial celebrations will continue on the waterfront throughout the summer, culminating in a grand Jubilee Celebration this coming September.
For full regatta results, photo galleries, or more information on upcoming 150th-anniversary events, please visit the official event board at bqyc.ca.
Next up the Eastern Yachting Circuit clubs come to BQYC for three days of racing July 9, to 11, with over 40 boats registered to compete.
