St. Petersburg Regatta Signals Strong Start to 2026 Sailing Season
The 2026 Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg, Florida, wrapped up on February 15th with a thrilling finish for its 225 entries. After challenging conditions early in the weekend, strong winds provided a spectacular conclusion for sailors across multiple classes.
J/70 and Melges 24 Dominate in Strong Winds
The final races saw particularly enthusiastic participation from J/70 and Melges 24 teams. Al Minella secured a win in the J/70 series, finishing just three points ahead of Kelly Hansen’s team. Peter McClennan’s Gamecock demonstrated consistent performance, winning the Melges 24 class with an undefeated record. The Melges 24 championship featured a competitive fleet of 19 boats.
Midwinter Championships and North American Series Kick Off
The St. Petersburg event served as a key launching point for several championships. The regatta hosted six midwinter championships, including competitions for ORC, S2 7.9, Hobie 33, L30, J/24, and Lightning classes. It also marked the beginning of the 2026 North American Sailing Series and continued the Southeast Racing Series.
Close Racing Across Multiple Classes
Bill and Jackie Baxter’s J/111 Fireball took the ORC Midwinter Championship title, narrowly defeating Adam Prettyman and Katie Laes’ Tartan 10 Two Trailer Park Girls by a single point. Michael Norris and his family team on Morning Breeze swept the L30 series, while Ukrainian skipper Zakhar Dikhtyar finished second overall in a chartered L30. A remarkable tie occurred in the Hobie 33 class between Timothy Andrews’ Holy Toledo and Craig Wilusz’ Hoof Hearted, with Holy Toledo ultimately claiming victory, ending Steven Attard’s five-year winning streak.
Other Class Winners and Notable Performances
John Spierling’s Rebel won the S2 7.9 midwinter title. Glenn Darden’s Baby Doll won the J/22 class, finishing three points ahead of Chris Doyle’s The Jug 41. David Starck topped the field of 27 Lightning class boats. Jasper Van Vliet’s Evil Twin was undefeated in four races to win the J/24 class. Sean Cornell and Tom Pluchino sailed an undefeated series in the Melges 15, and Ethan and Trudy Bixby won the Windmill class Midwinter Championship. George Cussins’ J/105 Fire and Ice won the Spinnaker division of the PHRF distance race, while Michael Cichon’s Beneteau OC41 Va Bene and Harvey Ford’s Sabre 402 Tattersall won their respective Racer/Cruiser and Cruiser divisions.
High-Performance Dinghy Competition
The 29er and Nacra 15 fleets also competed, using the regatta as a qualifier for world championship events. Olympia and Maribelle Barelli won the 29er Midwinter title, securing a narrow victory over Wylder Smith and Wyatt Lipp. Sean Kaseburg earned a berth to the 29er Worlds with a fifth-place finish. Orlando Botha and Sara Shumanis topped the Nacra 15 fleet, tying with Benjamin White and Amaya Isabella McDermott.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of boats competed in the regatta?
A wide variety of boats participated, including J/70s, Melges 24s, ORC boats, Hobie 33s, L30s, J/24s, Lightnings, 29ers, and Nacra 15s.
How many boats participated in the 2026 regatta?
The regatta featured 225 entries.
Where was the regatta held?
The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series was hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What championships were decided at the regatta?
The event hosted six midwinter championships and served as the launch of the 2026 North American Sailing Series.
Did the weather impact the racing?
Yes, the regatta experienced light-air postponements on the first two days, but finished with strong winds on the final day.
