Brest 2026: Nearly 300 European Ocean Racing Elite Set to Clash in Brittany

The 2026 Paddle Europe Ocean Racing Championships in Brest, France, are set to welcome 286 individual athletes from 15 European nations between August 26 and 30. Representing a 47 per cent increase in participation since 2024, the field includes world and continental champions competing across official categories.

Host nation France leads with 107 competitors, joined by teams from Spain, Great Britain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway.

The Senior Men’s SS1 features the full 2024 European podium: defending champion Hector Henot (FRA), Walter Bouzan (ESP), and 2025 World Champion Pierre Vilella (FRA). 2024 World Champion Gordan Harbrecht (GER) adds further depth to the race. In Senior Women’s SS1, 2024 European champion Judit Verges (ESP) defends her title against 2024 silver medallist Sara Sotero (POR), bronze medallist Chloe Bunnett (ESP), and 2025 World fourth-place finisher Thaïs Delrieux (FRA).

In U23 competition, reigning U23 World and European champion Bernardo Pereira (POR) headlines the Men’s SS1, challenged by 2025 World bronze medallist Marin Lanée (FRA). Rosie Edwards (GBR), reigning U23 World Champion, leads the Women’s category alongside Sara Mengual (ESP). The Junior events showcase reigning World Champions Andrea Jimenez Colmard (ESP) and world medalists Constança Frazão (POR) and Julian St Mary Palmero (ESP).

The event also features official Mixed SS2 categories, headlined by 2025 World silver medalists Hector Henot and Thaïs Delrieux.

Based at the Moulin Blanc marina, the venue offers rapid access to challenging Atlantic ocean swell, winds, and strong currents. A flexible three-day racing window (August 27–29) will allow organizers to choose optimal tidal and weather conditions. Organized by Paddle Europe, the FFCK, and Canoë Kayak Club Brestois, the event concludes on Saturday evening with medal ceremonies and celebrations.

[go to the magazine: paddle-europe.eu]

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