2026 Tasar Worlds - Kunigami Okinawa Japan
12 June 2026
The Tasar World Championships 2026, hosted at Okuma Private Beach & Resort in Kunigami Village, Okinawa, concluded on 12th June after nine days of competition.
The championship attracted a record fleet of 117 boats from six countries, making it one of the largest Tasar World Championship ever held. Competitors faced a wide range of conditions throughout the event, including strong winds, heavy rain, a day lost to a tsunami advisory, and challenging light-air races influenced by strong tidal currents. Despite the demanding conditions, the regatta concluded safely without any major incidents.
The overall title was won by Dalton Bergan and Lindsay Bergan (USA), who prevailed in a closely contested battle at the top of the leaderboard to become the new Tasar World Champions.
Dalton Bergan and Lindsay Bergan win the Tasar World Championships in Japan - photo © Junichi Hirai
Second place went to fellow Americans Jonathan McKee and Libby Johnson McKee. Jonathan McKee, a two-time Olympic medallist and one of the sport's most respected sailors, led the standings during the early stages of the regatta and remained in contention for the title until the final day.
Jonathan McKee and Libby Johnson McKee, Second Overall and Super Grand Masters Division winners (combined crew age of 120 years or more) at the Tasar World Championships in Japan - © Junichi Hirai
Finishing third overall and as the highest-placed Japanese team were Kazushi Ito and Yasuaki Muragishi. Ito, who also served as Chairman of the Organising Committee, reflected on the achievement:
"To be honest, my overwhelming feeling is one of relief. I am absolutely delighted to have stood on the podium against some of the best sailors in the world."
Kazushi Ito and Yasuaki Muragishi, Third Overall and Grand Masters Division winners (combined crew age of 100-119 years) at the Tasar World Championships in Japan - © Junichi Hirai
Approximately 300 participants, including sailors, officials and families, gathered in Kunigami Village from six countries for the championship.
Throughout the event, competitors frequently commented on the beauty of Okinawa, the enjoyment of both the racing and shore-side activities, and their desire to return to Japan in the future.
As the first Tasar World Championship ever held in Okinawa, the event brought together the largest fleet in class history and offered participants an unforgettable experience combining challenging racing, spectacular natural surroundings, Okinawan culture and warm hospitality.
The next Tasar World Championship is scheduled to take place in Torbay, United Kingdom, in the summer of 2028. As sailors departed Okinawa, many were already looking forward to meeting again on the waters of Torbay.
Comments from the World Champions, Dalton and Lindsay Bergan (USA): "We are absolutely thrilled to have won. It was a very close contest right to the end, so we were pleased to hold our position in the final race today.
"We thoroughly enjoyed sailing in Okinawa. We experienced everything from strong winds to very light airs, which certainly kept things interesting! We travelled here with friends from Seattle and have made many new friends during the regatta. The Tasar is a fantastic class, and we truly love being part of it."
Runner-up helm Jonathan added: "First of all, I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this championship. Thank you for putting on such a wonderful world championship. I would also like to thank my wife, Libby. There are many outstanding sailors in this fleet, but she is the best. Thank you for sailing with me for such a long time."
Podium at the Tasar World Championships in Japan - photo © Junichi Hirai