Manuel Bragança of Brazil delivered an outstanding performance in Tangier, Morocco, to win the 2026 Optimist World Championship.
Finishing first overall in the 284 strong fleet with a net score of 65 points, Bragança received the Beacon Challenge Cup, and the Peter Barclay Trophy as the first boy.
The overall podium was completed by Elliot Novara of Switzerland, second overall with 89 points, and Andrei Zhakhov of Malta, third overall with 98 points.
In the girls’ division, Ines Mendez-Larminaux of Puerto Rico was awarded the Helen Mary Wilkes Trophy as the first female sailor (6th overall).
The female podium was completed by Margaux Nguyen-Minh of Hong Kong, in second place (14th overall) and Mara Peñalver of Spain in third (20th overall).
Best placed British competitor was Jonathan Rogers in 24th place overall.
The IODA Challenge Cup, awarded to the winner of the Optimist Team Race World Championship, was won by Spain for the third consecutive year.
Optimist World 2026 Championship Final Leaders
After 12 races, 1 Discard (284 entries)
1st BRA Manuel BRAGANÇA M – – 65 pts
2nd SUI Elliot NOVARA M – – 89 pts
3rd MLT Andrei ZHAKOV M – – 98 pts
4th ESP Nicolas BASTARD M – – 103 pts
5th ITA Andrea DEMURTAS M – – 118 pts
6th PUR Ines MENDEZ-LARMINAUX W – – 120 pts
7th CAN Will KEILTY M – – 127 pts
8th TUR Cengiz Eren GÜVENÇ M – – 136 pts
9th ARG Tomas MORTEO M – – 150 pts
10th SWE Carl BIRGERSSON M – – 153 pts
GBR Competitors:
24th GBR Jonathan ROGERS M
42nd GBR Charles HOLLAND M
52nd GBR Laszlo DRUMMOND M
55th GBR Patrick DI SALLE M
143rd GBR Jacques KENT M