The 2026 470 racing season is heading towards its final major event, with the 470 Open European Trophy & Master’s Cup 2026 set to take place in Portorož, Slovenia, from 14 to 19 September.
Almost 30 crews are expected to compete in the event, bringing together 470 sailors across four Master age categories. The regatta is organised by Jadralni Klub Pirat Portorož in cooperation with the International 470 Class Association.
Portorož is no stranger to major 470 events. The Slovenian venue has previously welcomed international championships, including the 2019 470 Junior World Championship, giving the class a strong connection with the area.
Four titles up for grabs
The top three crews in the Open European Trophy will receive medals from the International 470 Class Association. Medals will also be awarded to the first three crews in each Master’s Cup category. The overall winning Master crew will receive the 470 Joachim Hunger Trophy, awarded by the International 470 Class Association.
Remembering Joachim Hunger
The trophy carries the name of one of Germany’s most successful 470 sailors of the 1980s.
Joachim Hunger sailed with his brother Wolfgang Hunger at two Olympic Games, competing in the 470 class at Los Angeles 1984 and Busan 1988. The brothers finished fourth and fifth respectively at the Games and were also among the leading crews at the Kieler Woche, which they won six times during the 1980s.
They also achieved two World Championship podium finishes, winning silver medals in 1983 and 1986.
Away from sailing, Joachim Hunger was a doctor by profession. His life was tragically cut short in 1990 following a cycling accident in Berlin.
Today, the Joachim Hunger Trophy keeps his name connected to the 470 class and its long tradition of competitive sailing. Awarding it at the Master’s Cup is a fitting way to recognise both sporting achievement and the generations of sailors who continue to race the 470.
A familiar sailing venue
Located on Slovenia’s short but scenic Adriatic coastline, Portorož offers a well-established sailing environment and a strong connection to the sea.
The colours of Portorož and neighbouring Piran — blue, white and green — reflect the character of the region. Blue represents the sea, white recalls the traditional salt production that helped shape Piran’s history, while green reflects the Mediterranean landscape of pine trees, olive groves, vineyards and herbs.
The area also offers plenty for sailors and visitors to discover after racing, from local olive oil and Piran sea bass to truffle hunting, cycling and hiking through the coastal countryside.
Good conditions for the final races
September usually brings warm late-summer weather to Portorož, with plenty of sunshine and generally light to moderate winds. The breeze often builds around midday and in the afternoon, providing good conditions for racing.
However, the Adriatic can also bring more challenging moments. Occasional thunderstorms and heavy showers are possible, while stronger Bora or Jugo winds can quickly change the conditions on the race course.
With almost 30 crews competing across four age categories, the 2026 Master’s Cup in Portorož will combine competitive racing with the experience and tradition of the 470 class.
As the final major 470 event of the season, it will be a chance for sailors to finish the year on the water, compete for four Master titles, and race for a trophy that carries a special place in the history of the class. For more info: EVENT WEBSITE
Almost 30 crews are expected to compete in the event, bringing together 470 sailors across four Master age categories. The regatta is organised by Jadralni Klub Pirat Portorož in cooperation with the International 470 Class Association.
Portorož is no stranger to major 470 events. The Slovenian venue has previously welcomed international championships, including the 2019 470 Junior World Championship, giving the class a strong connection with the area.
Four titles up for grabs
- The Master’s Cup will be divided into four age categories, with the leading crew in each category becoming an official 470 Class Champion:
- Apprentice Masters 470 Class Champion
- Masters 470 Class Champion
- Grandmasters 470 Class Champion
- Grand-Grandmasters 470 Class Champion
The top three crews in the Open European Trophy will receive medals from the International 470 Class Association. Medals will also be awarded to the first three crews in each Master’s Cup category. The overall winning Master crew will receive the 470 Joachim Hunger Trophy, awarded by the International 470 Class Association.
Remembering Joachim Hunger
The trophy carries the name of one of Germany’s most successful 470 sailors of the 1980s.
Joachim Hunger sailed with his brother Wolfgang Hunger at two Olympic Games, competing in the 470 class at Los Angeles 1984 and Busan 1988. The brothers finished fourth and fifth respectively at the Games and were also among the leading crews at the Kieler Woche, which they won six times during the 1980s.
They also achieved two World Championship podium finishes, winning silver medals in 1983 and 1986.
Away from sailing, Joachim Hunger was a doctor by profession. His life was tragically cut short in 1990 following a cycling accident in Berlin.
Today, the Joachim Hunger Trophy keeps his name connected to the 470 class and its long tradition of competitive sailing. Awarding it at the Master’s Cup is a fitting way to recognise both sporting achievement and the generations of sailors who continue to race the 470.
A familiar sailing venue
Located on Slovenia’s short but scenic Adriatic coastline, Portorož offers a well-established sailing environment and a strong connection to the sea.
The colours of Portorož and neighbouring Piran — blue, white and green — reflect the character of the region. Blue represents the sea, white recalls the traditional salt production that helped shape Piran’s history, while green reflects the Mediterranean landscape of pine trees, olive groves, vineyards and herbs.
The area also offers plenty for sailors and visitors to discover after racing, from local olive oil and Piran sea bass to truffle hunting, cycling and hiking through the coastal countryside.
Good conditions for the final races
September usually brings warm late-summer weather to Portorož, with plenty of sunshine and generally light to moderate winds. The breeze often builds around midday and in the afternoon, providing good conditions for racing.
However, the Adriatic can also bring more challenging moments. Occasional thunderstorms and heavy showers are possible, while stronger Bora or Jugo winds can quickly change the conditions on the race course.
With almost 30 crews competing across four age categories, the 2026 Master’s Cup in Portorož will combine competitive racing with the experience and tradition of the 470 class.
As the final major 470 event of the season, it will be a chance for sailors to finish the year on the water, compete for four Master titles, and race for a trophy that carries a special place in the history of the class. For more info: EVENT WEBSITE
