This year’s Bermuda Gold Cup will mark the beginning of a new era with the International One Design (IOD) fleet being replaced by the Fareast 28R.

It is a year of change at the World Match Racing Tour regatta with the separate women’s competition being dispensed with after two years as organisers cite commercial difficulties.

The 2026 Bermuda Gold Cup, which will feature a $50,000 purse, is set to take place from October 13 to 18 and in a statement from Royal Bermuda Yacht Club announcing that the Notice of Race had been published, it revealed that the IOD fleet would be replaced.

“The introduction of the high-performance Fareast 28R fleet represents a transformative milestone for this historic event, stepping into the shoes of the iconic International One Design (IOD) fleet that defined the Gold Cup's legacy for decades,” the statement read.

Transitioning from the heavy, traditional full-keel IODs, the modern Fareast 28R racing platforms are renowned for their lightweight agility, high-planing speeds and strict one-design uniformity.

“This evolution from classic displacement sailing to high-speed racing will present a fresh, highly dynamic tactical challenge on Hamilton Harbour. Crucially, the lighter handling underpins a strong commitment to diversity, with organisers aiming to fill the 12-team roster with a minimum of four top-tier women’s teams, showcasing the highest level of female talent on the world tour.

“This world-class sporting spectacle is made possible through the generous and longstanding support of sponsors; the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) and RenaissanceRe. Their partnership ensures that Bermuda continues to stand out as a premier global destination for competitive sailing, while fostering opportunities for top athletes from across the globe.”

With the new format consisting of 12 teams and with high demand expected, interested teams are encouraged to urgently submit their requests for an invitation by contacting the RBYC sailing office at sailing@rbyc.bm.

Last year, Swedish sailor Johnie Berntsson became the first skipper to lift the prestigious King Edward VII Trophy for three years in a row since the event switched to the modern format.

Berntsson’s compatriot Anna Ostling was victorious in the Women’s Match Racing Tour regatta.