Inés Méndez-Laminaux, a Puerto Rican sailor, has been crowned champion of the 2026 Optimist World Championship, held in Tánger, Morocco, from June 18 to 28. The tournament featured 293 sailors from 73 countries, making it one of the most competitive international youth sailing events. Méndez-Laminaux made a remarkable comeback, rising from 103rd place on the first day to sixth overall, competing against the entire fleet of male and female sailors.
She also finished as the best female sailor in the championship, earning the title of World Champion. This historic achievement makes Méndez-Laminaux the first Puerto Rican to win a world championship in the Optimist class, solidifying her position as one of the greatest promises of national sailing. According to Sara Rosario Vélez, president of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee (Copur), this result confirms that the talent, discipline, and perseverance of Puerto Rican athletes can compete and triumph against the best in the world.
The championship featured varying wind conditions, with strong winds of up to 26 and 28 knots on the first day, followed by moderate breezes of 12 and 14 knots on the last three days.