Press release – 16 April 2026
Kalamaki Nautical Club (NCK) ready to welcome the ILCA Masters World Championship
The countdown to Greece hosting the ILCA Masters World Championship has already begun. The organizer, Kalamaki Nautical Club, is preparing to welcome the champions of the past at the end of May for a 15-day event full of action and adrenaline in the always unpredictable Saronic Gulf. From May 29 to June 15, the “2026 ILCA Masters World Championships” will be hosted in Greek waters, organized by NCK in collaboration with the Hellenic Sailing Federation. The president of the Kalamaki Nautical Club, Mr. George Christopoulos is sure for the result. “The Kalamaki Nautical Club is ready, once again, to meet the demands of a top event, bringing Greece and Alimos to the epicenter of world sports. Athletes from 5 continents and more than 40 countries meet in the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. This particular event is a reference point for world sailing, bringing together top sailors of the highest level, intense competition and is an inspiration for the new generation. With many years of experience and a deep love for nautical sports, the Kalamaki Nautical Club actively supports the sport and its people, continuing to be a stable pillar of sailing development and highlighting Greece as an important destination for international events.”
For her part, the president of the Hellenic Sailing Federation, Ms. Niki Anastasiou, underlined the tradition that Greece has in the ILCA class. “For us in Greece, the ILCA class is the ‘heart’ of our sailing community. It is a boat that connects generations—from young sailors taking their first steps after the Optimist class to experienced athletes who never stop competing. This organic bond makes every major ILCA event in Greece feel like a celebration, and we always welcome them with genuine enthusiasm. Hosting this championship is the result of our excellent and ongoing cooperation with the International ILCA Class. I would like to thank them for their trust, as together we continue to bring world-class events to Greece that showcase the highest standards of the sport. The Masters Championship, in particular, holds a special charm. It proves that sailing is a lifelong sport with no age limits. It is truly inspiring to see athletes with such experience and passion taking to the sea with the same energy as if it were their first time. I would like to thank the Nautical Club of Kalamaki for their hard work and hospitality. I am certain that the conditions of the Saronic Gulf and the warmth of the Greek sailing family will make this championship unforgettable for everyone”.
The Kalamaki Nautical Club has created a very strong team of collaborators for the most complete organization possible, with the World Championship being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Sports and the Municipality of Alimos.“This event highlights Greece as a top destination for international sailing and confirms the great potential of our sports infrastructure. We support such important events that bring people, tourism and visibility to our homeland and strengthen Greece’s position on the international sports map. Good luck to all participants!” was the comment of the Minister of Development, Mr. Panagiotis Theodorikakos, with the Minister of Sports, Mr. Ioannis Vroutsis, adding: “Hosting such an important international event, with participation from more than 40 countries, is a great honor for our country and a strong vote of confidence in the capabilities of Greek sailing and our sports organizations. Congratulations to the Kalamaki Nautical Club and the Hellenic Sailing Federation. I wish the games and all participants good luck.”
The organizers promise an unforgettable event, with more than 400 athletes, judges, escorts and coaches from 40 countries expected in Alimos.“Warm congratulations to the Kalamaki Nautical Club for undertaking the organization of the ILCA Masters World Championships, co-organized with the Hellenic Sailing Federation. As the first athletic association established in Kalamaki, the Club has maintained an uninterrupted presence in both sport and community life since its founding in 1947. The Club’s picturesque old harbor was developed through the dedicated voluntary efforts of its members and, for many years, served as a venue for competitions and training, with Kalamaki’s swimming team achieving notable success in national championships. Today, the Kalamaki Nautical Club, having inspired generations of young people to embrace sailing, stands at the forefront of international sailing, thanks to its organizational excellence and the high standard of its facilities. In doing so, it promotes Alimos as a destination for international sporting events and further strengthens the city’s connection with sailing.” it was the statement of the Mayor of Alimos Mr. Andreas Kondylis.
The facilities of the Kalamaki Nautical Club in the New Marina of Alimos are fully equipped so that every competitor will find that nothing’s missing. “We are honored to welcome the 2026 ILCA Masters World Championships to Alimos Marina, a landmark event that highlights our commitment to international sailing excellence. Hosting over 400 participants from more than 40 countries is a testament to our facilities, organization, and our ability to transform the marina into a hub of sporting excellence and cultural exchange. This championship strengthens Greece’s position on the global sailing map while bringing meaningful cultural and economic value to our city. We look forward to our collaboration with all parties, the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Development, the Alimos Municipality, the Nautical Club of Kalamaki, and the Hellenic Sailing Federation to deliver an outstanding event.” emphasizes with confidence Ms. Ioanna Dretta, CEO of REDS, a member of the ELLAKTOR Group.
For the NCK, the “ILCA Masters” will be its first world sailing championship after hosting two European ones in 2019 (Open Laser Radial Youth) and 2024 (ILCA Senior). Keep in mind that the 2027 ILCA U21 European Championship will also be held at the NCK facilities, at the always hospitable Nea Marina of Alimos.