George Szabo and George Iverson of the USA are overnight leaders of the 2026 Star European Championship taking place on the IJsselmeer, in conditions that surprised even the most experienced competitors.
Denmark’s Jørgen Schoenherr and Britain’s Ed Wright sit second overall, while Robert Scheidt (BRA) and Austin Sperry (USA) complete the provisional podium.
Warm temperatures, blue skies and sunshine welcomed the 76 teams from more than 20 nations – a far cry from the typical Medemblik weather remembered by generations of Star sailors.
Five-time Olympic medalist Robert Scheidt (BRA) and 2008 Olympian Austin Sperry (USA), won the opening race ahead of Germany’s Hubert Merkelbach and Markus Koy, while two-time Star World Champion Diego Negri and Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA) completed the podium in third.
The second race got underway shortly after, with the wind remaining from the east but settling at around 7 knots.
Denmark’s Jørgen Schoenherr and Britain’s Ed Wright, who sailed consistently to take the victory. George Szabo and George Iverson (USA) finished second, while Michael Schulz and Andriy Shafranyuk completed the top three.
2026 Star European Championship
Leaders after 2 races (75 entries)
1st USA George SZABO / George IVERSON 8 2 – 10 pts
2nd DEN Jorgen SCHONHERR / Edward WRIGHT 11 1 – 12 pts
3rd BRA Robert SCHEIDT / Austin SPERRY 1 12 – 13 pts
4th USA Jack JENNINGS / Andrew PALFREY 9 5 – 14 pts
5th DEN Michael HESTBÆK / Jan Eli GRAVAD 14 4 – 18 pts
6th GER Max KOHLHOFF / Ole BURZINSKI 7 11 – 18 pts
7th CRO Marin MISURA / Tonko BARAC 5 17 – 22 pts
8th GER Merkelbach HUBERT / Markus KOY 2 21 – 23 pts
9th ITA Diego NEGRI / Sergio LAMBERTENGHI 3 22 – 25 pts
10th SWE Erik DAHLÉN / David NOGÉN 23 10 – 33 pts