One of the most important weeks of the Brazilian nautical calendar has begun. The 53rd Ilhabela Daycoval International Sailing Week takes place from 24 July to 1 August, in Ilhabela (SP), bringing together more than 100 vessels and some of the biggest names of national and international sailing.
Organised by the Yacht Club de Ilhabela, with the support of ABVO, CBVela and FEVESP, the competition confirms its place as the country's main ocean-sailing event. The programme began on Friday, 24 July, with a sunset hosted by DJ Carla Behara and performances by Marcelo Totó and Confraria Musical, setting the festive tone that marks the week on the island.
Official opening with the Boat Parade
The official opening takes place this Sunday, 26 July, with the traditional Boat Parade at the Vila de Ilhabela pier, one of the most anticipated moments for competitors and the public. Right after, the vessels head to the water for the first races, starting a contest that runs throughout the week.
The channel between Ilhabela and São Sebastião is recognised as one of the most challenging and beautiful race courses in Brazil, with winds that demand keen tactical reading and great preparation from the crews. It is in this setting that the titles of the main classes are decided.
The sailing elite on the course
The 2026 edition brings together sailors from different Brazilian states and an international fleet that already numbers eight Argentine boats and two Uruguayan ones, reinforcing the event's international character.
In the ORC, the main ocean-sailing class, two names stand out. Olympic sailor Samuel Albrecht takes the helm of the Crioula 52, three-time champion of the Ilhabela Sailing Week, while Eduardo Souza Ramos, the greatest winner in the event's history with nine titles, returns to the course leading the Onda. The duel between them promises to be one of the great sporting attractions of the week.
In addition to the ORC, the programme brings together the BRA-RGS, RGS-Cruiser, Classics and C30 classes, with the return of the HPE25 to the event. The calendar includes coastal races and windward-leeward regattas, with a highlight on the Alcatrazes por Boreste Marinha do Brasil Regatta, of around 55 nautical miles, and the Toque-Toque por Boreste Regatta.
An event that moves the city
More than a competition, the Ilhabela Sailing Week is one of the biggest drivers of the local economy in winter. In the 2025 edition, the event gathered around 120 vessels and approximately 1,500 sailors, moving about R$ 50 million in the city's economy, with an impact on hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, commerce and service providers.
The programme goes beyond the races. The Race Village, set up in the city centre, works as a meeting point for teams and visitors, with attractions open to the public, shows, talks and environmental education activities. It is sailing occupying the water and the city at the same time, bringing the sport closer to those who live in and those who visit Ilhabela.
Service
- Event: 53rd Ilhabela Daycoval International Sailing Week
- Date: from 24 July to 1 August 2026
- Venue: Ilhabela (SP), Yacht Club de Ilhabela
- Organisation: Yacht Club de Ilhabela, with the support of ABVO, CBVela and FEVESP
By: Redação Mundo Mar
Photo: Ilustração Mundo Mar
