Fireball World Champs in Torbay

The amazing growth of watersports in Torbay has received another global boost following the announcement from Royal Torbay Yacht Club that the Fireball World Championship will be held in Torquay in July 2026.

Torquay offers a spectacular venue with racing taking place on some of the finest sailing waters in the world. Torbay is an internationally renowned sailing venue from the sheltered harbour there is quick and easy access to the race areas. The sheltered harbour offers excellent facilities, berthing and pontoons.

The class are delighted to be returning to Torquay which has been a popular venue for Fireball events in recent years and last held the World Championship back in 1981.

The Fireball is currently enjoying a surge in popularity, with 72 boats competing at last year’s Europeans in Italy, and it is anticipated that there will be over 90 boats at this summer’s Worlds in Lake Garda.

As an International go-to class the list of past British Fireball World Champions reads like an A-Z of the cream of UK sailing and includes such legends as Bob Fisher, Lawrie Smith, Phil Morrison, Ian Pinnell, Stevie Morrison, Ricard Estaugh and Chips Howarth.

The dominate force of the last few years is Tom Gillard, who will be looking to add to his six World titles.

Over many years Royal Torbay Yacht Club has established an enviable reputation in staging top class regattas and championships. Torbay hosted sailing events at the 1948 Olympic Games and recent years the Royal Torbay Yacht Club has hosted many internation events including the Dragon Gold Cup, and the Cadet, SB3, Melges 24 and J/70 World Championships.

The English Riviera is just a beautiful place to be during the summer months and both Competitors, their families and supporters can be sure of a very warm welcome and will enjoy a friendly atmosphere, cordial hospitality and great shoreside entertainment featuring the opening ceremony and full social programme.

The Fireball UK Nationals will take place from Monday, July 20, 2026 with racing over three days and a Prizegiving and Championship Dinner Friday, July 24. The Fireball World Championship will follow with an Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 26 and racing over five days, culminating with a Gala Dinner and Prizegiving on Friday, July 31.

For further information on both events contact Bob Penfold events@rtyc.org

Images by Tania Hutchings – 50 Degrees North Photography and Sportography TV