As you may well know, Medemblik has a special place in the Contender history. It was in 1968 on the IJsselmeer that the Contender prototype convincingly won the selection for a new international sailing class. The class developed from there to become the ultimate single hander we all know and love. Since that day, many great international Contender events have been held in Medemblik, most recently the World Championship in 2015.
It seemed all too fitting that, when a venue had to be chosen for the 50th Contender World Championship in 2020, Medemblik would be the place. Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic, the 2020 championship had to be cancelled. When international sailing resumed major class events were scheduled in a lot of beautiful places around the world and in Europe. Now, in 2026, we are happy to have the opportunity to host the Contender World Championship once again in Medemblik!
We welcome you to be part of a great event, starting with the Open Dutch Contender Championship from July 1st to July 3rd, followed by the Contender World Championship 2026 from July 4th to July 10th. The timing allows you to travel during the European holiday season and, if you prefer so, to participate in other European sailing events, like the Kiel Week.
In Medemblik, expect beautiful sailing conditions, varying from moderate to a good breeze. For that and the excellent race committee, classes come to Medemblik for their biggest events every year, e.g. the 307 boats Finn Masters. The spacious Regatta centre and ramp helps a smooth operation on shore. Add to that mostly agreeable summer weather and an adorable ancient harbour town, in striking distance from our beautiful and exciting capital Amsterdam. For those of you who have been to Medemblik previously, Café Brakeboer is of course still there for the authentic Medemblik experience, with good food and drinks. And wherever you are in the Netherlands, be sure to get your supply of stroopwafels!
For more info about the Contender Worlds 2026 please have a look at the event website: https://worlds.contenderzeilen.nl/