When and where is the NE Challenge 2026
The 2026 NE Challenge will be held in Marblehead, MA on Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7 2026. 

Who is the host Yacht Club for the 2026 NE Challenge
The Boston Yacht Club will provide the Race Committee for the NE Challenge, but the regatta will be physically based at the Eastern Yacht Club, on Marblehead Neck. The Regatta is organized by the Marblehead IOD Fleet and the Boston Yacht Club

How many teams will be invited to the 2026 NE Challenge?
All teams who are loaning boats to the 2026 IOD World Championship are invited to participate, free of any entry or social fee. 

When will the Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions be published?
The Notice of Race and Sailing instructions will be posted here, and emailed to all boat owners before May 24, 2026.  The Sailing Instructions will be posted here and mailed to the owners on or before June 1, 2026

What is the Social Schedule?
Breakfast treats will be provided on Saturday and Sunday, On Saturday evening of the NE Challenge, the competitors are invited to a (very) informal cookout at a private home.  Refreshments will be served at the Eastern Yacht Club following racing and before the awards on Sunday June 7th.

 What are the Insurance arrangements for the 2026 NE Challenge.
This is a “sail-your-own-boat” event.  Each owners personal insurance policy will be in effect.

What is the racing schedule?
Two days of racing are planned – Saturday and Sunday June 6&7,  Up to three races may be sailed on any single day.  The racing schedule is subject to change, and will likely change.

What are the expected conditions?
In recent years, the summer sea breeze pattern has emerged earlier and earlier in June. The combination of cold waters and warming land can provide entertaining conditions.  However, June is also a time when weather fronts can pass through Marblehead, delivering gradient winds across the sailing area. 

How will housing be arranged?
If requested, the Marblehead fleet will arrange housing for visiting teams in local homes. 

 Will I need a car for the event?
We recommend that each visiting team have access to at least one car.  A

What arrangements or options are there for racing lunches? 
Marblehead boasts many wonderful sandwich shops would will welcome your business during the Championship week. In addition, we anticipate that one or two local sandwich shops will be on hand to take your orders in advance during registration, and after racing, for lunches that they will deliver to the club the next morning.

Will there be shirts, hats, or other merchandise? Can I order in advance? 
Yes. There is a selection of MARBLEHEAD 2026 Merch available from a separate web store.