Regattas in Marseille in 2026: overview, schedule, and registration process

Publication date: 04/29/2025 – Updated: 02/03/2026

In the Mediterranean, within the Bouches-du-Rhône region, the Marseille area is highly favoured for sailing. Along the coast – in the famous Calanques – or further out to sea, reaching as far as Italy and Spain, or even to the Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, or the Balearic Islands… thousands of competitive sailors take advantage of the magnificent body of water.

Throughout the year, the sailing conditions are such that many major events are organised, regardless of the season! Sailing enthusiasts thoroughly enjoy competing in regattas held from Marseille and its surroundings. The region and its unique maritime environment are particularly well-suited for such events.

Three clubs at the helm of the Marseille regattas: SNM, CNTL, and UNM

Three historic and dynamic sailing clubs are at the origin of the most emblematic regattas in the South of France: the two clubs Société Nautique de Marseille (SNM) and Centre Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon (CNTL), accompanied by the Union Nautique de Marseille (UNM) – also called Union Nautique Marseillaise (UNM).

Regattas Organised by SNM, the Société Nautique de Marseille

The Société Nautique de Marseille was founded in 1887. Located on the Old Port of Marseille, it regularly organizes highly competitive regattas. Crews from all over Europe come to participate each year. 2025 will be no exception!

The main regattas from Marseille organised by SNM in 2026

• The Florence Arthaud Challenge – 18 January, 1 February, and 8 March 2026

Formerly the Winter Challenge, the Florence Arthaud Challenge is organised each year by one of the three nautical clubs of the Old Port of Marseille – SNM, CNTL, and UNM – for the OSIRIS and ORC classes. This year, it is the turn of the Société Nautique de Marseille to handle the preparations.

• The Mediterranean International Sailing Week, or SNIM 2026 – 3 to 6 April 2026

SNIM is another regatta in Marseille organised by SNM. In 2026, it will be the 60th edition of the event! Crews are invited to compete under the technical IRC rules. On board various one-design series, the regatta is open to small crews, single-handed sailors, or double-handed teams.

• The Voiles du Vieux Port 2026 – 15 to 17 May 2026

Dedicated to traditional sailing vessels, the Voiles du Vieux Port event invites some of the most beautiful maritime heritage ships to take centre stage. Once again this year, the participating classic yachts will race in the northern harbour, much to the delight of the onshore public – with front-row views from the Terrasses du Port or along the Corniche of Marseille.

• The Calanques Classique 2026 – 20 and 21 June 2026

The fourth sailing event in the Société Nautique de Marseille’s schedule, the Calanques Classique is another must-attend event – especially for crews of traditional boats. The fleet of competitors will sail over two days in a spectacular manner along the edge of the Calanques National Park towards a port east of Marseille.

• The Quadra Solo Duo 2026 – 22 to 28 August 2026

This summer event invites IRC and OSIRIS rated boats, both single-handed and double-handed, to a regatta around Marseille, with two stopovers at Les Embiez and Porquerolles. In total, six days of racing and one night race are offered to the participants.

• The Baticup Méditerranée 2026 – 12 and 13 September 2026

Every year, this is the “construction industry regatta“: an event reserved for all actors in the construction sector – from building contractors to suppliers, as well as engineering offices and public works specialists – aboard OSIRIS, IRC, CIM, or Cruising yachts.

• The Vire Vire Banque Populaire Méditerranée Regatta, or Vire Vire BPMED 2026 – 4 October 2026

This is also an annual gathering in the southern and northern roadsteads of Marseille: during the Vire Vire, sailors of all types are invited to compete for a day on a 13-nautical-mile coastal course. The course departs from the Marseille beach of Les Prophètes, then reaches Cap Pinède, Pomègues, La Madrague, and returns to Corniche Kennedy.

Major Regattas from Marseille Organised by CNTL

The second regatta organising club in Marseille, the Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon, or CNTL, is also very well-known. Since its founding in 1970, it has built a strong reputation in organising nautical events.

Also located on the Old Port, the CNTL manages an extensive regatta programme, some of which are iconic. Among them:

• The Coupe des Rois – 4 January 2026

This is the first winter regatta organised by CNTL in 2026. With this event, the club offers Marseille sailors the chance to “start the year off on the right foot… or rather the right heading!”

Scheduled in the roadstead of Marseille, the Coupe des Rois will follow a simple programme: a coastal race of up to 25 nautical miles – weather permitting.

• The Coupe des Pieds Gelés – 15 February 2026

The Coupe des Pieds Gelés is another winter regatta organised within the CNTL cup series, also over a 25-nautical-mile course. The programme will be decided on the morning of the event, according to the navigation conditions.

• The Massilia Cup Inshore – 20 to 23 March 2026

Organised every spring, the Massilia Cup Inshore invites sailors and competitors from Surprise, Grand Surprise, J70, Classe C30, IRC, OSIRIS, and Multi 2000 classes to take part in coastal and tactical races in the southern roadstead of Marseille.

• The Rally of the Islands – 14 to 16 May 2026

This is a friendly and itinerant regatta held in three stages: Marseille → Les Embiez → Les Deux Frères → Les Embiez → Marseille. Some rally stages are open to all yachts. Special stages are open to OSIRIS and IRC-rated boats.

• The “Guérir en mer” Regatta – 6 and 7 June 2026

Another event of the 2026 SNM season will be organised in partnership with the Sea Rescuers (SNSM). Open to all, the “Guérir en mer” regatta aims to link sailing and therapy. The 6th edition of the event will include onshore and offshore activities in honour of healthcare professionals: according to the organising team, “from the regatta departing from Marseille, to meetings, sharing, celebration, health prevention for caregivers, as well as relaxation.”

• The Massilia Cup Offshore – 19 to 28 June 2026

Born from the merger of the Corsica Med – a competition created by the club for Mini 6.50 and CLASS40 yachts – and Duo Max – created for OSIRIS and IRC classes – the Massilia Cup Offshore brings together various types and ratings of offshore yachts.
The 2026 Massilia Cup Offshore course will include navigation towards Spain with a stop in the heart of Barcelona. The Mini 6.50 class will follow a solo course of 500 nautical miles. The race starts on 21 June 2026.

• The Juris’Cup – 17 to 20 September 2026

This famous Marseille regatta has gathered hundreds of legal professionals, lawyers, and judges on the water every year since 1991. For the 35th edition, the atmosphere will be even more festive! In addition to the sailing competition, participants benefit from a conference on legal themes.

The Sailing Events of the Union Nautique de Marseille

Another nautical club in Marseille since 1882, the Union Nautique de Marseille (UNM) also organises several competitions. This year, the oldest nautical club in Marseille is responsible for organising the regatta Les Dames à la Barre, which will take place in June 2026.

The Regatta Calendar in Marseille in 2026

Participating in mediterranean regattas: procedures and tips

Have you spotted a regatta starting from Marseille that interests you? Participating in the region’s nautical events requires a bit of preparation:

Start by contacting the organising club to learn about the general admission conditions and obtain the race regulations. We also recommend checking the accommodation options and any available services on-site during the event.

Registration for the Marseille regattas

To participate in one of the Marseille regattas, first, your boat must be administratively compliant. It must meet the requirements of one of the boat categories invited to compete and may sometimes be required to have specific safety equipment on board, depending on the course and the challenges it may present.

Each sailing competition has its own registration process: some nautical events are reserved for members of the sailing clubs, while others are open to all. Spaces may be limited, and registrations can close several months in advance or be subject to approval by the organising team. Registration fees also vary, sometimes including meals. Finally, there may be medical requirements for the participating sailors and skippers.

Documents may be required by the regatta organisers to validate your registration:

• A certificate of insurance covering participation in the regattas
• A copy of your boat’s rating certificate (IRC, OSIRIS, etc.)
• A valid licence from the French Sailing Federation (FFV) for crew members

The logistical preparation of the boat

Before taking part in a race departing from Marseille, you will also need to ensure that your sailboat is perfectly prepared. Good news: just 25 nautical miles from the city of Marseille, in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Port Napoléon is a marina perfectly suited for this. In fact, many sailors store or dock their boats there year-round to participate in the region’s sailing events!

A true strategic base for sailors wishing to participate in various competitions, Port Napoléon is a safe haven, ideally located and very well-equipped for all types of sailboats.

Are you interested in the regattas and nautical events of the Bouches-du-Rhône? Are you considering storing, mooring, or preparing your sailboat at our marina in Port Napoléon?

Get in touch with our team, and let’s work together on your project!