Toulon 12mR Regatta 2026: A Celebration of Speed, Skill, and Heritage
The Toulon regatta exploded into action on Thursday, 7 May, and carried through to Sunday, delivering four days of thrilling 12mR racing in one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning settings. Across the weekend, the fleet sailed ten fiercely contested races, showcasing the elegance, power, and precision of these legendary yachts.
Five iconic 12 Metres lined up at the start: Kookaburra II, Flica II, France 1, Kiwi Magic, and South Australia. Sadly, French Kiss could not attend due to mast damage, but the remaining fleet more than made up for it with high drama on the water.
The regatta’s highlight was the electrifying series of match races between these America’s Cup-era giants. The action ignited with Kiwi Magic, skippered by Danish sailor Jes Gram, edging out South Australia in a tightly fought duel. Kiwi Magic then faced the formidable Kookaburra II, helmed by the legendary Torben “The Turbine” Grael, in a gripping encounter that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Kookaburra II ultimately prevailed, later defeating South Australia in another breathtaking race, demonstrating the skill and experience of the fleet.
Weather conditions added an extra layer of drama. Thursday brought light south-westerly breezes of 5–10 knots, ideal for tactical racing. Friday’s moderate and steady 6–12 knot winds allowed the fleet to display the precision and grace of these historic yachts. By Saturday, the breeze intensified to 14–16 knots with gusts up to 25 knots, providing exhilarating downwind runs across the bay. Sunday closed the regatta with shifting winds of 9–17 knots, keeping crews challenged until the very last race.
Set against the stunning Toulon coastline, the regatta celebrated not only the heritage of the 12 Metres, but also the enduring spirit, rivalry, and elegance of classic America’s Cup competition. Spectators and sailors alike were reminded why these yachts continue to captivate the imagination, generation after generation.
The 12mR fleet’s return to Toulon in 2026 proved that the combination of history, skill, and Mediterranean sailing creates an unforgettable experience — one that will be remembered long after the last race horn has sounded.
2026 Toulon 12mR Race Results
Final Overall – 12mR JII Class (5 boats)
Match Race – 12mR JII (3 boats)
