NEWS

Five incredible days of racing in San Diego are officially in the books as the 2026 International Etchells World Championship came to a close yesterday with the crowning of 2026 World Champions and the presentation of awards (full list below) across the fleet. From tight racing on the Coronado Roads to unforgettable camaraderie ashore, and one of the deepest fleets in recent memory, this week showcased everything that makes the Etchells Class so special.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.— History was made off the coast of San Diego this afternoon as James Mayo, Paul Cayard, and Ben Lamb aboard Magpie AUS 1526 won race 9 of the 2026 Etchells World Championship, securing their place as the 2026 Champions. This is Mayo’s third straight Etchells Worlds title, a feat not accomplished in over 40 years. Magpie finished the regatta with a total of 56 points, followed in second place by Scott Kaufman and Rogue USA 1519 with 73 points, and John Sommi’s Encore USA 1529, the 2023 World Champion, in third with 80 points.

The one-race day began with a nearly two hour delay as the clouds burned off and the wind filled in steadily. When racing did commence, winds were blowing about 10 knots. Sailors noted that quintessential San Diego sailing conditions held for the final race, making for a challenging yet thrilling contest.

Competitors favored the left side of the starting line and soon spread out across the entire race course. First to round the early windward mark was Canada’s Luke Lawrence and Cruel Jane CAN 1531. But Magpie was hot on their tail, closing the gap soon after passing through the gate and overtaking the Canadians by the second windward mark. With a close race downwind ensuing, Magpie and its decorated crew sealed the deal on their championship title crossing the finish line first.

“I stepped into a very good team,” said Cayard—who has only sailed Etchells for 20 days—reflecting on his time at the helm this regatta. “A lot of great teams were here, so it is an honor to win and have my name on the same trophy as some of my idols like Dennis Conner and Vince Brun.” A sailing legend in his own right, Cayard, the current Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, says “for sure” there are more Etchells regattas in his future.

“The last five races we could not have sailed any better. I’m so proud of how the team pulled together, just attacked the race course the whole time,” added Lamb, who has won two previous Worlds. “This is probably the hardest Etchells Worlds I’ve ever done. Just to be mixing it up with the countless Olympians, America’s Cup winners, and World Champions feels good—but to win is just incredible.”

“This has honestly been a very challenging six months for our team. At the end of the day you have to trust the people around you and the pieces of the puzzle come together,” said Mayo. “This is a dream come true, it’s very emotional. Together everyone achieves magic.” When asked if he will be going for a fourth straight Etchells Worlds title, Mayo responded, “I think Hong Kong would be a wonderful place to sail.”

Awards are set to be awarded this evening on the deck of the San Diego Yacht Club Clubhouse. A full list of awards, summary of the week, and preview of what's to come in Hong Kong for 2027 Etchells Worlds will be released tomorrow.

All information on the 2026 Etchells Worlds can be found on the regatta’s website. Results of each race and the overall regatta will be posted on YachtScoring. For live updates throughout the week, follow the International Etchells Class Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Etchells Worlds is graciously hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, which can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Cofounders of Marine Weather University, Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, sharing today's daily weather report for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Previewing the conditions for Friday, May 15 for the Race Day 5.

Forecast Tables for Today:

Another classic SD springtime weather situation - with a mild eddy in place. You guys have had a masterclass in our similar - but very nuanced weather that we experience here on the Coronado Roads race course this time of year. Hopefully in your regatta notebooks for San Diego local knowledge you have added more than "go hard right" to the things to remember! Here's my takeaways from Chris' presentation

Left momentum from the eddy - should erode with the marine layer into a modest sea breeze
watch for more pressure south and left bend as you sail offshore early in the day
Ossilations dominate during the forecasted racing hours
Watch clouds for lefties

Modest ebb today with a max at noon and slack at 3PM. I wasn't going to share the radar imagery, but we have our first example of situation where the ocean current is heading northbound off the coast just outside of Point Loma. Probably a few miles too far offshore to effect the current in the racing area but it may make for slightly different dynamics... so check the current to confirm.

Good luck! 

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.—Eight of nine races are now in the rearview at the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Race Day 4 was bright and sunny with a slightly lighter breeze than previous days in the regatta. However, upon returning to the docks after Race 8, sailors noted the choppy and challenging conditions that made for dramatic action out on the water.

Day 4 kicked off with boats favoring the pin end at the starting line. JC Strong of Flying Higher AUS 1518 repeated her Day 2 winning performance with a jump off the pin quickly and did not waste time tacking towards the middle of the course. Many others in the fleet soon followed. But it was Jud Smith and Fast Mermaid USA 1111 who reached the windward mark first and started building a lead with the spinnaker up.

That lead held through the remainder of the race, but several top competitors were hot in pursuit. D Craig Mense with Freedom USA 1456, James Mayo aboard Magpie AUS 1526, and Jay Cross on Skanky Gene USA 1464 crossed the line in second, third, and fourth respectively with a photo finish settled thanks to Vakaros within seconds of each other.

After race 7, throw outs came into effect and shook up the leaderboard. At this point, just three points separated the overall leader and third place. John Sommi had the top spot, but James Mayo and Jim Cunningham were well within striking distance. The Corinthian competition was just as tight, with Andrew Lawson’s No Dramas GBR 1490 overtaking the lead from Ben Wilkinson’s Freebird USA 1060 by a single point.

“I’m just grateful to share the starting line with such great sailors,” said John Sommi, the 2023 World Champion. “Being associated with this group has just been an incredible experience.”

The start of Race 8 gave sailors a classic San Diego sight with a Navy aircraft carrier coming over the horizon. A sporty start was followed by a three-way battle at the windward mark and an excellent tack from Mayo and his crew. That was not enough to hold off James McHugh and Tquila IRL 1501 who created a lead at the gate and built on it, crossing the finish line well ahead of the rest of the pack.

Mayo’s second place finish pushed him to the top of the leaderboard, ending the day with an 11 point lead over Scott Kaufman’s Rogue USA 1519 who had to drop a DSQ due to hitting a mark in Race 3. “At the end of the day, we just have an incredible team,” added Mayo. “Not just the three of us, but everyone who has sailed with us before this past year.” Should he keep the lead after tomorrow’s final race, Mayo would win his third straight Etchells World Championship - a hat trick that has not been done in over 40 years since David Curtis in 1983.

Expect to see skippers and crews with heads on swivel keeping eying their competition tomorrow. One final race stands between the fleet and the crowning of this year’s champion. In this field loaded with talent, several top crews remain in the hunt for the ultimate prize.

All information on the 2026 Etchells Worlds can be found on the regatta’s website. Results of each race and the overall regatta will be posted on YachtScoring. For live updates throughout the week, follow the International Etchells Class Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Etchells Worlds is graciously hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, which can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Cofounders of Marine Weather University, Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, sharing today's daily weather report for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Previewing the conditions for Thursday, May 14 for the Race Day 4.

Forecast Tables for next 2 days:

Big take aways from Chris' briefing this morning. 

Sea breeze day - but fading due to divergence and beginning of an eddy for tonight

Back building off the beach - windier on shore

Normal feature of better pressure lower right of course (to the North)

No significant right twist as you sail offshore

No big trend to the right during the afternoon - oscillating day  (which you've learned, even in the days where there is a persistent trend - the oscillations can be critical.)

Watch for scud/marine layer clouds esp in race two - portending lefties

In ocean current world - that clockwise eddy persists 15_nm offshore - 0.1ish sw flow on race area at 3AM.    

Tidal current - Not as big of a low tide today - max ebb at 1130 -  slack at 1420

Good luck!

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.— Day 3 of the 2026 Etchells World Championships is in the books and we officially have a championship as six races have been contested. Morning cloud cover burned off just before the 11:30 warning signal, yielding a “Chamber of Commerce” day, with steady winds blowing around 10 to 12 knots. The yacht America served as a spectator boat and provided a gorgeous backdrop following the fleet around the course.

Following tomorrow’s race 7, teams will be able to drop their highest score. That could mean shakeups in the standing are in the cards. However as of Wednesday evening, just one point separates first place Jim Cunningham’s Lifted USA 1504 and 2023 World Champion John Sommi’s Encore USA 1529. Cunningham led the fleet going into Day 3 and held onto that position even with a 15 in race 6.

“We came into this regatta knowing we had to be really consistent given the depth of talent here,” Cunningham said. “It is truly fantastic competition here with 76 teams from all over the world pushing us to sail our best. We are staying in the top 15, and with a field of this caliber that’s how you get ahead.”

The first race of Day 3 saw Craig Mense and the Freedom crew onboard USA 1456 build a lead early and reach the first mark well ahead of the pack. They only added to their commanding position as the race progressed—reminiscent of JC Strong’s dominating win in race 4 yesterday. Behind Freedom, the fleet remained tight throughout the race. Aussie teams came across the finish line second, third, and fourth one behind the other behind the other seconds apart—AUS 1514 taking second, AUS 1526 third, and AUS 1226 fourth.

Race 6’s start was postponed twice due to shifting wind direction. When the race did get underway, the fleet crowded the committee boat on the right side of the line attempting to gain a slight advantage getting to the first mark. War Canoe USA 1363 made a bold move off the line, port tacking the fleet. The boat skippered by Michael Goldfarb had their regatta-best finish in fourth in race 6.

The day’s final race came down to the wire with a leading group of four boats jostling for the top spot. In the end it was Austin Sperry’s RayGun USA 1527 who crossed first giving them a bullet and a third place overall position. James Mayo on board Magpie AUS 1526, seeking his third straight Etchells World Championship title, was just behind for second place and currently sits in fourth overall with only two points separating him and Sperry.

The sheer amount of talent present in this regatta have made dramatic swings in finishing positions the norm. With two days left and throw outs coming into play tomorrow, it is still anyone’s game going into the final three races.

All information on the 2026 Etchells Worlds can be found on the regatta’s website. Results of each race and the overall regatta will be posted on YachtScoring. For live updates throughout the week, follow the International Etchells Class Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Etchells Worlds is graciously hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, which can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Cofounders of Marine Weather University, Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, sharing today's daily weather report for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Previewing the conditions for Wednesday, May 13 for the Race Day 3.

Forecast Tables for next 3 days:

Race Day 3

Light gradient today - so most of the driver will be the local sea breeze   -not quite tapping into the offshore NW'ly that is making its return down the coast.
Watching the clouds/marine layer will be key. 
Point Loma acceleration zone in play.
Models show more velocity on the lower right as the sea breeze builds.
Sea breeze bends left as it approaches the shore.  

In ocean current world - at 1AM the radar shows there's an eddy well off to our NW. Strong current going SSW about 15nm off the race track, but in the racing area zip code all that does is bend the current more to the SW than we've seen previously at light speeds... current checks on the course area will be valuable to confirm. In tidal current world - the peak ebb out of SD Harbor is 11AM... with a slack at 1400.  

Good luck!

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.— The second day of the 2026 Etchells World Championship opened under a thick marine layer settled across the Coronado Roads Race Course. An unusual weather pattern for San Diego in May kept sailors guessing throughout the morning as shifting pressure and unstable breeze directions made strategy especially challenging as the sun slowly began to break through.

In Race 3, it was the left side of the course that paid off early and decisively. Jeanne-Claude “JC” Strong and her Flying Higher crew led from the pin end start all the way around the racetrack, instantly recognizable across the fleet with their distinctive pink sail numbers and pink spinnaker. Strong is joined onboard by Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton, fresh off Team Australia’s SailGP victory in Bermuda.

“Winning these races, I had such a feeling of happiness,” added Strong. “It was just amazing, I could feel my heart beating out of my chest.”

Strong and Flying Higher were followed by USA 1453, helmed by Rick Merriman, a member of the winning crew from the 2000 Etchells Worlds in San Diego. Close behind was International Etchells Class President and North American Champion Jim Cunningham aboard Lifted. Cunningham’s experienced team includes four-time world champion crew members Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, and Serena Village.

By Race 4, the marine layer had largely burned off and sunshine returned to San Diego, but the breeze remained unstable. A significant right shift on the opening beat quickly reshuffled the fleet, with some boats able to set spinnakers directly from the offset mark. The first downwind leg saw constant lead changes across the course as boats searched for pressure across the widening race track.

Once again, however, Flying Higher capitalized early. Strong repeated her left-side strategy off the line and benefitted from the shifting conditions, rounding both the first weather mark and leeward gate with commanding. At one stage, the Australian crew held nearly a two-minute advantage over second-place Austin Sperry’s Raygun, sailed with America’s Cup and Ocean Race veterans Noel Drennan and John Kostecki.

As conditions continued to evolve, the Race Committee displayed the Charlie flag and adjusted the course for the final windward leg of the day, spreading the 76-boat fleet widely across Coronado Roads as the breeze continued its gradual rightward trend.

Strong rounded the final mark comfortably ahead of the fleet to secure her second win of the day and establish herself as one of the early standouts of the championship.

In the Corinthian Division, the Rhode Island brother-and-sister duo of Ben and Sarah Wilkinson delivered an impressive performance, finishing third overall in the second race of the day. Their strong result vaulted the team into the lead of the amateur division heading into Day 3 of competition.

At the top of the overall standings, consistency has proven critical in the highly volatile conditions. Jim Cunningham and the Lifted crew moved into the overall lead after Day 2 thanks to a steady 3-6 scoreline on Tuesday. While many teams saw dramatic swings in finishes across the four races completed so far, Cunningham’s experienced crew has remained consistently near the front of the fleet.

All information on the 2026 Etchells Worlds can be found on the regatta’s website. Results of each race and the overall regatta will be posted on YachtScoring. For live updates throughout the week, follow the International Etchells Class Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Etchells Worlds is graciously hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, which can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Cofounders of Marine Weather University, Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, sharing today's daily weather report for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Previewing the conditions for Monday, May 11 for the Race Day 1.

Forecast Tables for next 3 days:

Race Day 2. Southerly gradient - deeper marine layer - cooler day

In offshore current world - the southbound acceleration is a bit broader and closer to the shore - but still far to affect us as the dark blue southbound squares (0.15kts) show on the race area.

In tidal current world - increasing ebb and flood today - with Race 1 starting (on time) just after the max ebb... time to dig out your Dave Perry book chapter on how "cross current" affects the sailing wind...  Slack tidal current @ 1315

My big takeaway from Chris' presentation this morning is to watch the sky and given the general rules Chris provided - come up with your own interpretations with what you are seeing during the day....  Good luck

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. — After a brief morning postponement under San Diego’s signature “May Gray” marine layer, racing officially got underway Monday at the 2026 International Etchells World Championship hosted by San Diego Yacht Club. The clouds eventually burned off, revealing sunshine and a steady 8–10 knot westerly breeze that settled across the Coronado Roads Race Course for the remainder of the afternoon.

The Race Committee completed two 90-minute races for the 76-boat fleet representing 11 countries. Competitors started on a half-mile-long starting line before tackling 1.8-nautical-mile upwind legs in four-lap races that tested both patience and precision in the moderate conditions.

Race management benefitted from the class-wide use of Vakaros race technology, which allowed sailors and officials to quickly identify boats over early at the start line, helping ensure fair and efficient starts throughout the day. Principal Race Officer Mark Foster praised the efficiency of the operation after racing concluded. 

“We start on time, we don’t have any penalty flags, everyone sails every race, and our time on the water is very effective,” said Foster.

The opening race saw the right side of the course pay significantly on the first beat. Reigning World Champion James Mayo aboard AUS 1526, sailing with Ben Lamb and Paul Cayard, won the pin end of the start but elected to head left, ultimately rounding the first mark mid-fleet.

Capitalizing on the favored right side was one of the pre-regatta favorites, USA 1527 RayGun, skippered by Austin Sperry with Noel Drennan and John Kostecki onboard. The American team rounded first and controlled the race from start to finish, claiming the opening victory of the championship. Jay Cross aboard USA 1464 finished second, while local sailor Chris Busch aboard USA 969 secured third.

The second start featured another right shift immediately off the line, prompting much of the fleet to tack early toward the favored side. Busch again showed strong speed, leading the early charge up the first beat. As the afternoon progressed, the breeze softened slightly and the fleet spread out across the 7.2-mile racecourse.

“We had good starts, and that is huge in this fleet,” said Busch. “We tacked onto port about 20 seconds before the second group in the middle of the line, which is not normal, but we had the settings dialed in for these conditions.”

Mayo and the AUS 1526 team rebounded impressively from their 28th-place finish in Race 1 to win the second race of the day.

At the end of Day 1, Scott Kaufman aboard USA 1519 sits atop the leaderboard with 10 points after finishing second in Race 2. Kaufman posted the most consistent scores of the day, recording the fleet’s only pair of top-10 finishes alongside crewmates Lucas Calabrese, Gonçalo Ribeiro, and Hugo Rocha.

Among the top-performing Corinthian teams on opening day was Sarah Wilkinson, sailing alongside her brother Ben Wilkinson and college teammate Keenan Hilsinger. The trio finished as the top Corinthian boat in the first race of the championship, holding their own against a fleet stacked with world champions and professional talent.

“We love sailing Corinthian and we love sailing with the best of the best,” said Wilkinson during the post-race social at San Diego Yacht Club. “That’s exactly the level of competition we’re getting here. We’re out there racing with beers and having fun, but we’re also here to do our best. Today we sailed the lifted tacks well and found some good lanes to battle with the pros.”

Racing at the 2026 International Etchells World Championship continues Tuesday on the Coronado Roads Race Course off Point Loma, with two to three races scheduled daily through Friday.

Cofounders of Marine Weather University, Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, sharing today's daily weather report for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Previewing the conditions for Monday, May 11 for the Race Day 1.

Forecast Tables for next 3 days:

SAN DIEGO ETCHELLS TIP: Swell will be coming from the left of the predicted wind axis... the lighter it is - the more you have to set up your mode and trim for the effect of the swell - don't chase the apparent wind swings with the helm.

Here below is the current flow at the harbor mouth today - lighter than average max currents by San Diego standard because of the moon phase:

BELOW:  Offshore the 3AM current flow radar ping shows the strongest southbound currents farther offshore than yesterday - and a bit stronger. 

Inshore - the radar shows 0.1kts southbound.... but keep in mind the resolution (grid spacing) of the measurements is too large to show any detail on the race course.

Key takeaways from Chris' presentation:

Interesting atmospheric set up with light northerly AM gradient - so expecting a true sea breeze.   

Watch the marine layer clouds burning off inshore on the tow out.   If later/slower to burn off than expected - lighter and more left.

Right bend as you sail upwind due to the sea breeze bending to become more perpendicular to the shore close to the beach

Music:

The band had fun playing last night - during and after covid, we played twice a week together - these days, its very rare when we all get together - and we thank the regatta organizers and the SDYC for giving us a chance to play for you. 

Our superstar, Cody Sherman, the lead guitarist is super talented ... His Band of Gringos is a local favorite, and you can check out his spotify here:   For those of you that want more we play at a local watering hole - The Harp in Ocean Beach (about 2.5nm from the SDYC) from 7-10pm this Thursday.     

The competition is set to begin at San Diego Yacht Club as the 2026 Etchells World Championship officially gets underway this week, welcoming 76 teams from 11 countries for one of the world’s premier one-design sailing regattas. Following several days of measurement, registration, and preparation, competitors gathered Sunday evening on the lawn of SDYC for the Opening Ceremony.

Junior sailors from the SDYC Junior Sailing Program paraded the national flags, and with a ceremonial cannon blast, Commodore Alli Bell officially opened the championship. Sailors then enjoyed a taste of San Diego Yacht Club as they reunited with fellow competitors and listened to Peter Isler’s band take the stage.

International Etchells Class President Jim Cunningham thanked the nearly 200 volunteers who helped bring the event to fruition and recognized the remarkable depth of talent assembled for the championship. At least 26 former Etchells World Champions, nearly a dozen Olympians, and several America’s Cup winners will cross the line on Monday.

The first warning signal is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PDT, with racing continuing through Friday, May 15. Competitors can expect two races per day on the racecourse set off Point Loma. 
Joining the elite professionals and past champions is a strong contingent of Corinthian sailors of all ages, including competitors as young as 12 years old from the SDYC Junior Sailing Program, all vying for the International Etchells Class Association World Championship title.

During Sunday’s daily weather briefing, noted meteorologist Chris Bedford emphasized the subtle nature of San Diego’s conditions.

“One of the truisms of weather in San Diego is that it depends on some very subtle things,” said Bedford. “Often we’re talking about one or two knots of wind speed, and in this fleet, that can make all the difference.”
The early part of the championship is expected to feature tricky light-air conditions where small pressure differences and subtle shifts could have a major impact on results. As the week progresses, forecasts suggest a steadier and slightly stronger seabreeze developing for the latter half of the regatta.

The Etchells World Championship returns to the United States following back-to-back Australian-hosted championships and continues a long tradition of elite Etchells racing on the West Coast. San Diego previously hosted the Worlds in 1989, 2000 and 2011, while California has served as a proving ground for the class for nearly five decades.

Beyond the championship itself, the event highlights the continued evolution and enduring appeal of the Etchells class. From the early West Coast Worlds in Newport Harbor and San Francisco Bay to today’s highly refined international fleet, the class has remained defined by close competition, technical precision, and tactical excellence.

“The boats may span decades of construction and come from builders around the world, but on the racecourse they remain remarkably equal,” said event co-chair Charlie Mann. “That’s what makes Etchells racing so special. It always comes down to execution, teamwork, and decision-making.”

All information on the 2026 Etchells Worlds can be found on the regatta’s website. Results of each race and the overall regatta will be posted on YachtScoring. For live updates throughout the week, follow the International Etchells Class Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Etchells Worlds is graciously hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, which can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Cofounders of Marine Weather University, Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, sharing today's daily weather report for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Previewing the conditions for Sunday, May 10 for the practice race day.

Forecast Tables for next 3 days:

Tidal Currents - SD Bay Entrance Today (small tidal range - 50% moon) 1.1kt flood@1516

Radar measured Currents 2AM - Southbound 1.1kts 20nm off Point Loma - very light inside...

Former world champions, Olympians, and top Corinthian sailors from around the world descend on San Diego for a week of racing

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.— Sailors from across the globe are gathering at San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) for the 2026 Etchells World Championship, with official measurement taking place this week ahead of racing, which begins Monday, May 11, and continues with 2-3 races planned per day through Friday, May 15. 

Seventy-six teams representing 12 countries will battle on the water to claim the International Etchells Class Association World Championship title. Olympic medalists, world champions, Hall of Famers, and elite Corinthian sailors make up the fleet in one of the world’s most prestigious one-design championship regattas.

The Worlds return to the United States after back-to-back championships in Australia. San Diego previously hosted the Etchells Worlds in 2011 and 2000, and both winning teams from those regattas will be represented this year. 2011 world champion skipper Bill Hardesty will crew aboard John Dane III’s DanEgerous (USA 1426) - the 2024 North American Champion - while 2000-winning crew member Rick Merriman returns to helm his own boat, Big E (USA 1452), competing for the Grandmasters Trophy, awarded to teams with a combined crew age greater than 150 years.

The 2025, 2024, and 2023 world champions will all be in attendance. Team Magpie (AUS 1525), led by James Mayo, will look to complete a hat trick after back-to-back victories in Melbourne and Fremantle. John Sommi returns with his entire 2023 Miami-winning crew: Beccy Anderson, Victor Diaz de Leon, and Will Ryan.

Among the top teams to watch is RayGun (USA 1527) skippered by Olympian Austin Sperry. Last month, Sperry and his crew handily won the Etchells Orca Bowl pre-Worlds regatta, finishing in the top three in all but one of five races, culminating their dominance in the West Coast Spring series. The crew of this American boat includes fellow Olympian and US Sailing Hall of Fame member John Kostecki and one-design expert and sailing legend Noel Drennan.

Gunning for RayGun will be several strong American and international teams, such as Hong Kong’s Racer Smithy (HKG 1496) owned by Mark Thornburrow, and the Great Britain’s No Dramas (GBR 1490) skippered by Andrew Lawson. Alongside crew members Graham Vials - 2024 Fremantle Top Corinthian Skipper - and Billy Russell, Lawson and No Dramas took the runner-up spot overall in the Orca Bowl and won the Corinthian division. 

A new trophy will also debut this year in recognition of the continued growth of female participation in sailing. Under the leadership of SDYC Commodore Alli Bell, who also serves as Etchells Class Secretary, a new perpetual award for the Best Female Team at the Etchells World Championship has been introduced. Two teams — Coyote (USA 1092) and Mostly Harmless (USA 909) — are eligible for the award this year.

The trophy was gifted to the International Etchells Class in 2026 by SDYC and generously donated by Vince Brun, 2000 Etchells World Champion and event co-chair. Rich in history, the trophy is a repurposed prize from the 1997 J/24 World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina — an event won by Brun.

The class already awards a trophy for the top female helm. In addition to the two all-female teams competing for the new award, Flying Higher (AUS 1518), helmed by Etchells Governor Jeanne-Claude Strong, and Passenger Princess (USA 1217), helmed by Erika Barth, will also compete for top female helm honors.

“San Diego Yacht Club has a long, proud history of hosting major world-class events. Our race committee is top-notch, our facilities provide everything a sailor could hope for, and our shoreside activities will make sure everyone feels at home,” says SDYC Commodore Alli Bell. “San Diego has a lot to offer for sailors and their families outside of the event, making it an ideal place to host the 2026 Etchells World Championship.”

"Co-chairs Vince Brun, Casey Schnoor, and I, with an ever-growing host of able and experienced volunteers, have been working on this event for well over a year, and it is exciting to see everything lining up so well,” adds 2026 Etchells Worlds Co-Chair Charlie Mann. “The always evolving quality of sailing competition is a hallmark of this venerable class. With an emphasis on Corinthian, female and young sailors, as well as top top-tier US and international competitors coming to San Diego, this event promises to provide the best our sport has to offer for all."

How to follow 2026 Etchells World Championships in San Diego:

All information is below is linked from 2026.etchellsworlds.org. We will be sending out recaps from the day following racing each evening.

• Social Media: @EtchellsClass
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • WhatsApp Channel
• Results: YachtScoring
• Videos: SDYC YouTube

Etchells Worlds is graciously hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, which can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out the official event program of the 2026 Etchells World Championship.

VIEW PROGRAM

Sailors from across the globe are gathering at San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) for the 2026 Etchells World Championship, with official measurement taking place this week ahead of racing, which begins Monday, May 11, and continues with 2-3 races planned per day through Friday, May 15.

Photo: Mark Albertazzi

The Worlds return to the United States after back-to-back championships in Australia. San Diego previously hosted the Etchells Worlds in 2011 and 2000, and both winning teams from those regattas will be represented this year. 2011 world champion skipper Bill Hardesty will crew aboard John Dane III’s DanEgerous (USA 1426) - the 2024 North American Champion - while 2000-winning crew member Rick Merriman returns to helm his own boat, Big E (USA 1452), competing for the Grandmasters Trophy, awarded to teams with a combined crew age greater than 150 years.

The 2025, 2024, and 2023 world champions will all be in attendance. Team Magpie (AUS 1525), led by James Mayo, will look to complete a hat trick after back-to-back victories in Melbourne and Fremantle. John Sommi returns with his entire 2023 Miami-winning crew: Beccy Anderson, Victor Diaz de Leon, and Will Ryan.

Among the top teams to watch is RayGun (USA 1527) skippered by Olympian Austin Sperry. Last month, Sperry and his crew handily won the Etchells Orca Bowl pre-Worlds regatta, finishing in the top three in all but one of five races.

Photo: Mark Albertazzi

A new trophy will also debut this year in recognition of the continued growth of female participation in sailing. Under the leadership of SDYC Commodore Alli Bell, a new perpetual award for the Best Female Team at the Etchells World Championship has been introduced.

“San Diego Yacht Club has a long, proud history of hosting major world-class events. Our race committee is top-notch, our facilities provide everything a sailor could hope for, and our shoreside activities will make sure everyone feels at home,” says SDYC Commodore Alli Bell.

San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) and the Organizing Authority are proud to reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse competitive environment at the 2026 Etchells World Championship.

Recognizing the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents within the fleet, SDYC will present a series of perpetual awards celebrating excellence across the competition:

• Next Generation Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing team aged 29 or younger
• Best Female Helm Trophy – Awarded to the top-performing female helmsperson
• Best Female Team Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing all-female crew

Introducing the Best Female Team Trophy

In response to the continued growth of female participation in sailing, SDYC, under the leadership of Commodore Alli Bell, together with the Organizing Authority, is proud to introduce a new perpetual award for the Best Female Team at the Etchells World Championship.

The trophy has been gifted to the International Etchells Class in 2026 by SDYC, and generously donated by Vince Brun, 2000 Etchells World Champion and SDYC member. Rich in history, the trophy is a repurposed prize from the 1997 J/24 World Championship, originally awarded in Buenos Aires, Argentina—an event won by Brun.

Beginning in 2026, the Best Female Team Trophy will be awarded annually to the highest-finishing all-female team at the Etchells World Championship.  The inaugural presentation of the perpetual trophy will take place this year, with longtime Etchells competitor Pat Staddell awarding the honor to the winning skipper and crew.

San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) and the Organizing Authority are proud to reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse competitive environment at the 2026 Etchells World Championship.

Recognizing the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents within the fleet, SDYC will present a series of perpetual awards celebrating excellence across the competition:

• Next Generation Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing team aged 29 or younger
• Best Female Helm Trophy – Awarded to the top-performing female helmsperson
• Best Female Team Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing all-female crew

Introducing the Best Female Team Trophy

In response to the continued growth of female participation in sailing, SDYC, under the leadership of Commodore Alli Bell, together with the Organizing Authority, is proud to introduce a new perpetual award for the Best Female Team at the Etchells World Championship.

The trophy has been gifted to the International Etchells Class in 2026 by SDYC, and generously donated by Vince Brun, 2000 Etchells World Champion and SDYC member. Rich in history, the trophy is a repurposed prize from the 1997 J/24 World Championship, originally awarded in Buenos Aires, Argentina—an event won by Brun.

Beginning in 2026, the Best Female Team Trophy will be awarded annually to the highest-finishing all-female team at the Etchells World Championship.  The inaugural presentation of the perpetual trophy will take place this year, with longtime Etchells competitor Pat Staddell awarding the honor to the winning skipper and crew.

Two weeks before Worlds, San Diego delivers shifting breeze, crowded mark roundings, and five races where every point mattered

Two weeks before the Etchells World Championship, the fleet got exactly what it needed: changing pressure, difficult starts, and five races where every point carried weight.

The Orca Bowl, the fourth and final event of the 2026 West Coast Spring Series, brought 63 boats to San Diego Yacht Club for one last competitive test before the class returns for its biggest event of the year. Sailed on the same offshore course that will host the Worlds, the weekend was a reminder that talent alone will not be enough when the championship begins.

With one discard in a five-race series, consistency carried huge value. There were limited chances to recover from mistakes - one clean race could move a team quickly up the standings.

Current and the bump were major factors throughout the races. The starting line stretched 1,000 yards. Pressure separated across the course. A good start could unravel quickly, and one mistake at a crowded mark rounding could cost multiple places in seconds.

Orca Bowl Overall Results

1st – RayGun (USA 1527) – Austin Sperry, Noel Drennan, John Kostecki
2nd – No Dramas (GBR 1490) – Andrew Lawson, Graham Vials, Billy Russell
3rd – Buschido (USA 969) – Chris Busch, Ben Mitchell, Patrick Powell
 

Orca Bowl Corinthian Rankings (within Overall Fleet)

1st – No Dramas (GBR 1490) – Andrew Lawson, Graham Vials, Billy Russell
2nd – Second Wind (USA 985) – Will La Dow, Alex Curtiss, Paula Schmid, Jake La Dow
3rd – Triple Threat (USA 1465) – Ford McCann, Marshall McCann, Wiley Yandell Rogers

Austin Sperry’s team on RayGun leaves the Orca Bowl with another major result and form that has stood out all spring. They have shown speed in breeze, discipline in lighter air, and the ability to stay efficient when races become tactical.

When asked about the weekend, Sperry first pointed to another team’s performance. “I think the first thing we need to talk about is Ron [Zarrella, Blackfish] had a great weekend on 1532. I’m really proud of him. Yesterday he had a 2-1, which was pretty good in this fleet.”

Sperry then mentioned Sunday required a different skill set. “Today was really hard with the lump. It started out a little windy and then it died down quite a bit, and trying to navigate and drive an Etchells in those conditions was not easy. Position on the course is everything here. It really is. It’s everything. But what a great weekend. You guys did a great job and the Worlds are going to be fantastic. So excited to come back in a few weeks’ time.”

No Dramas delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, finishing second overall in the 63-boat fleet while also taking top Corinthian honors. The British team built its result through consistency in a packed fleet.

Graham Vials said, “Really tough conditions, tricky sailing and a super competitive fleet. We had a great weekend, just trying to do the basics well and avoiding getting too extreme. We managed five consistent results in the top 10, so very pleased to come second. Back home now for a week (back to work) and then the big event starts.”

Buschido rounded out the podium after a strong opening day that set the tone for the weekend.

Chris Busch commented on Saturday and said, “We had a good day yesterday and ended up second with three top-10 finishes, which was hard to do. With the conditions, it was quite challenging with the amount of bump out there. That was about as bad as it gets in San Diego. It was a little bit tricky with the current and a lot of boats going well. We had three good starts, which helped, got going the correct way, and had pretty good speed, so we were able to stay up near the top.”

John Dane III’s DanEgerous and Scott Kauffman’s Rogue completed the top five, another sign of how hard-earned every result has been in San Diego this spring.

Across the starting area were Etchells world champions, America’s Cup sailors, Olympic medalists, elite Corinthian teams, owner-drivers, and emerging programs. Few classes produce that mix of pedigree and accessibility, and it is one reason the upcoming World Championship carries so much interest.

For Corinthian competitor, Ivan Batanov, the weekend offered both perspective and progress. “The Orca Bowl / Pre-Worlds was a huge step up for us. Exactly the kind of challenge we came for. Racing in a 60+ boat fleet against some of the best sailors in the world is both humbling and motivating. At this level, there’s zero room for mistakes. Starts are aggressive, and with this many boats it’s easy to get squeezed out or mistime the line. Around the marks, things get tight fast. You lose focus for a second and you’re down five places. Conditions kept things interesting. We started in 12–14 knots with a solid sea state, then the breeze faded to 6–8 with patchy pressure. Staying fast through the swell was tricky, and the teams that adjusted gears quickly were the ones making gains. Great to get time on the Worlds course and start building a feel for it.”

Ron Zarrella said the weekend captured exactly why teams keep coming back. “That’s the best I’ve ever done in this fleet. That’s why you’ve got to come sail it, right? Come get involved. This is a great class, great people. This is my favorite place to sail in the country.”

The next generation was part of the story as well. Junior sailors were on the line competing alongside the experts, gaining experience in one of the strongest fleets of the season.
Dave Lysinger, a 14-year old San Diego Yacht Club Junior, said the event highlighted both the standard of racing and the atmosphere around it. “This weekend’s been really fun. We’re all really pumped about the Worlds and sailing in this really competitive fleet here. I always surprise myself with how good we do in this big fleet, but also just the camaraderie of it all.”

He added that Sunday’s sea state made things difficult. “All the slop and chop and waves made it hard … I just had to focus on driving. It was fun.”

Off the water, San Diego Yacht Club delivered the kind of atmosphere expected of a championship venue. Volunteers and staff handled race operations, shoreside logistics, and hospitality throughout the weekend. Competitors and guests also gathered for Saturday evening dinner at the club and Sunday’s awards celebration, continuing the camaraderie that has defined the West Coast Spring Series.

PRO Bruce Golison said the weekend gave competitors a clear sense of what awaits at the Worlds. “With the Etchells world championship coming to SDYC in two weeks, this weekend’s Orca Bowl regatta gave the competitors a taste of what the world’s racing will be like. The breeze was shifty and the velocity would go up and down making for challenging racing. Mix in more current on the Worlds’ race course located further down from Point Loma and the task got even harder. With the starting line being 1,000 yards long, there were times when the wind angles were different at either end of the starting line. On the race course, there were wind shifts ranging from small to substantial in many of the races challenging even the best tacticians. The Orca Bowl was a good regatta to give the competitors a feel for what the Worlds will be like.”

WCSS Chair Melanie Aalbers said, “It was great to see so many teams already in San Diego and to feel the momentum building toward the Worlds. I’m happy to pass the torch to Vince Brun, Charlie Mann, Casey Schnoor, and their team as they take it forward from here. It has been an honor chairing these spring events and helping build toward the Worlds. What stands out just as much as the racing are the people - driven, generous, accomplished, and a pleasure to host in San Diego.”

2026 West Coast Spring Series – Overall Standings

1st – RayGun (Austin Sperry)
2nd – Stark Raving Mad (Skip Dieball)
3rd – Buschido (Chris Busch)

2026 West Coast Spring Series – Corinthian Standings

1st – Second Wind (Will La Dow)
2nd – Viva (Don Jesberg)
3rd – Team Shred (Oliver Toole)
 

Preparation now turns to final details. In two weeks, the fleet returns to San Diego Yacht Club for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. The scores reset. The lessons remain.

Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana is the world’s leading ocean conservation organization dedicated to engaging, educating, and activating the sailing and boating community to restore ocean health. Through its three core programs -- Green Boater Pledge, Clean Regattas, and Kids Environmental Lesson Plans (KELP) -- the organization equips sailors with the tools and knowledge to take meaningful action.

San Diego Yacht Club has made significant strides toward sustainability in its daily operations. Highlights include the LEED-certified Malin Burnham Sailing Center, featuring 487 solar panels; two electric-powered Vita E-RIBs; a state-of-the-art stormwater treatment system that manages runoff from all hardscape areas and boat wash facilities; numerous water refill stations; and a continued commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

Beyond daily practices, SDYC is dedicated to hosting Clean Regattas. As the world’s leading sustainability certification for water-based events, the Clean Regattas program provides race organizers, sailors, and marina managers with a comprehensive toolkit of 20 best practices to minimize environmental impact. Adopted worldwide, from Sabot fleets to America’s Cup competitors, the program has supported more than 3,400 regattas and engaged over 850,000 sailors.

SDYC is proud to host the 2026 Etchells World Championship as a certified Clean Regatta. We invite you to join us in promoting sustainable sailing by doing your part as an Ocean Steward and helping to keep our waterways clean. You can take the Green Boater Pledge.

The 2026 Etchells Worlds Organizing Authority is extremely excited to announce our partnership with leading watersports apparel brand Zhik! With great enthusizsm for the Etchells Class, Zhik is outfitting all of the event’s commpetitors, race officers, jury and Organizing Authority with recently released range and color UVActive ¼ Zip and Polo tech shirts. Additionally, Zhik will be ever present during the week with nightly raffles for new range Zhik Inshore gear in support of the San Diego Yacht Club Junior Program, activations in the Skip Etchells Lounge and all perpetual awdard winners will be presented with commemorative Zhik luggage and bags at the final awards on Friday!            

Please support our partners by checking out the Worlds event logoed Zhik kit.

Or their full line at https://zhik.com/us/sailing.

VIEW INVENTORY & ORDER NOW

The 2026 Etchells Worlds Championship Organizing Authority (“OA”) is excited to announce that logoed crew apparel is now available for direct order through the our partnership website with local provider GRAPHIX GROUP!

Check out the quality shirts, jackets, hats and more, all with the World Championship event logo. Your order can be shipped directly to you or picked up at the Graphix Group shop, just two blocks from SDYC.

GRAPHIX GROUP is known to provide a broad range of sailing apparel that regularly supports SDYC as well as custom sailing programs large and small. Check out some other great swag Graphix Group

Looking to charter a boat to race in the 2026 Worlds? Check our live list of available boats, and make contact with the owners to work out the details.

BOAT FOR CHARTER

Next spring, the International Etchells Class will descend upon the waters of San Diego, California for the 2026 Etchells World Championship hosted by San Diego Yacht Club May 7 - May 15, 2026. The highly anticipated event is bringing the best of the best from all around the world for 9 days of camaraderie, competition, and top-level racing on the Pacific Ocean.

Etchells World Champion (2000) Vince Brun is one of three regatta chairmen producing the event and invites Etchells sailors from around the world to San Diego. "Join us at the 2026 Etchells Worlds hosted by San Diego Yacht Club and help us celebrate our class most prestigious event. As the newly appointed regatta co-chair I want to personally invite each one of you to be part of history making event, along with great San Diego sailing conditions and southern California hospitality."

The Notice of Race and regatta schedule have been published and registration is open at 2026.etchellsworlds.org. 

2026 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
May 7-9: Measurement & Registration
May 10: Practice Race and Opening Ceremony
May 11-15: Nine Races scheduled
May 13: Mid-Week Awards Party
May 15: Awards Ceremony

Event Co-Chair, Charlie Mann, speaks to the anticipation of the regatta stating, “The 2026 Etchells World Championship will bring a host of the best sailors from around the world to SDYC for 9 days of premier sailing and racing. The fleet will be deep with top professional and Corinthian competitors, and the racing will showcase precise tactics and handling skills that represent the best in strict One Design competition. The Star Worlds at SDYC in 2024 were widely celebrated, in no small part due to volunteer commitment and excellence. The 2026 Etchells Worlds will be another demonstration of how SDYC is unmatched as a home to the best sailing can offer.”

Leading into Etchells Worlds is the highly competitive, 12th annual Etchells West Coast Spring Series which brings many local and national sailors to the Etchells fleet’s frequently raced San Diego courses, Coronado Roads and the South Bay. The series includes four race weekends in the winter and spring.

2026 WEST COAST SPRING SERIES
Jan 17-18: Etchells Bill Bennett Cup
Feb 21-22: Etchells Pacific Coast Championship
Mar 27-29: Etchells Midwinters West
Apr 25-26: Etchells Orca Bowl & Pre-Worlds Regatta
www.westcoastspringseries.com

San Diego’s local Etchells Fleet 13 is known to make their mark on the West Coast Spring Series and will be utilizing it, alongside the monthly One Design Weekends in 2025, to fine tune their skills going into Worlds. When asked how Fleet 13 stacks up against the competition, Fleet Captain, Ivan Batanov stated “Fleet 13 is one of the largest Etchells fleets in the U.S. and one of the most competitive anywhere. SDYC and Fleet 13 have a long-standing sailing tradition and a deep local talent pool—including Etchells Worlds champions, Olympic medalists, veterans of America’s Cup programs, and a large contingent of top-tier Corinthian sailors. That day-in, day-out standard at home sharpens our boat prep, starting, and race-course discipline—and it travels well to the Worlds stage.”

Discounted hotel room blocks are available at several hotels walking distance from SDYC. The club is coordinating a set of charter boats available for teams looking to use a local boat for the event. And if you’re planning to ship your boat to California, national and international shipping recommendations are available on the event website.

Travel and Boat Shipping Logistics

A world class regatta, like the 2026 Etchells World Championship, would not be complete without showcasing both SDYC and the city of San Diego. When asked why he thought San Diego would be the right venue to host this event, Etchells World Champion Erik Shampain said “I’m a firm believer that world championships should be held in places that you can bring the family. It’s what brings a lot of the owners and crews in. San Diego has so many features – the downtown is amazing, the aircraft carrier tours, the zoo, the wild animal park, beaches, shopping in La Jolla. It’s an amazing city. The venue (SDYC) is beautiful. The sailing is beautiful with the ocean swells. It’s almost always sunny. It’s almost always blowing 8-12 knots. It’s a consistent, amazing place to be and to sail.”

San Diego Yacht Club is donating a perpetual trophy for the top all-women’s team at the Worlds. SDYC Vice Commodore and 2025 Transpac winning skipper Alli Bell shared that “I am so excited that Fleet 13 is donating an all-women’s team trophy to the Etchells Class. Such an award will surely promote women’s participation in this event and sport.”

Competitors and attendees can look forward to a range of dinners, socials, and other activities. Following the Sunday practice racing, SDYC will host the Opening Ceremony and a “Taste of SDYC” with a variety of San Diego staple dishes served from different stations. Wednesday evening will be a Mid-Week awards ceremony and dinner party, with the final awards ceremony on Friday. A sailors lounge with be available all week long with Etchells class history, sailor amenities and family concierge service available to visitors.

The 2026 Etchells World Championship is certain to be a memorable event and SDYC is looking forward to hosting competitors and their families and friends who will be in attendance to root them on. As Event Co-Chair, Casey Schnoor, eloquently states “SDYC has a proud tradition of hosting world championship-level regattas that go above and beyond expectations. From world-class race management to legendary hospitality and a strong sense of camaraderie, the SDYC experience is second to none — and that legacy continues with the 2026 Etchells Worlds.”

San Diego Yacht Club and the International Etchells Class welcomes Etchells sailors from around the world to the 2026 Etchells World Championship regatta. We are proud to announce that the Notice of Race is published and registration is now open.