Fortaleza Test Event – Reconnaissance for the World Championships

The recent test event in Fortaleza was a planned reconnaissance mission designed to set our athletes and coaches up for success when we return next winter for the 2027 World Sailing Championships. We sent two athletes and two coaches to the event in order to understand the considerable challenges that this venue poses, and help us to be as prepared as possible to perform in 12 months time.

This trip reflects how we expect to operate as a program: professional, proactive, and remaining focused on creating the best possible performance environment by anticipating future challenges. Goals focused on and achieved included:

• City acclimation – Understanding Fortaleza’s daily rhythm, logistics, transportation, other considerations, and cultural dynamics allows us to reduce uncertainty for athletes when it matters most.

• Do’s and don’ts on the ground – From housing locations and commute timing to food, hydration, and recovery routines, we now know what works—and what to avoid.

• Environmental intelligence – First-hand exposure to the climate and racing conditions.  This level of understanding allows us to arrive at the World Championships with refined playbooks rather than learning under pressure.

This test event reinforced what defines our program: we don’t wait to react—we prepare in advance. By investing early in knowledge, planning, and weather understanding, we aim to give our athletes and coaches clarity, confidence, and the best possible chance to perform at their highest level when it counts.

Fortaleza is no longer unknown. When we return for the World Championships, we will arrive better informed and prepared, and ready to perform from Day 1.

The A1R Team

Team@americaoneracing.us