2018 Star Class North American Championship

Denison is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2018 International Star Class North American Championship, which will be held at the prestigious California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, Cali., from August 14 – 19.

The long-standing event is considered a renowned regatta with an unrivaled history in which the best sailors from all walks of the competitive community gather to battle it out for the coveted Silver Star as well as the title of Champion. The race will feature roughly 50 elite sailors made up of former Olympians, World Champions, and America’s Cup competitors, coupled with an assortment of local champions and racers.
 

According to a recent press release, the Star has undergone various incarnations and innovations over the last century, but remains one of the greatest one-design racing classes, demanding a superior level of competition. Fast and unforgiving, with massive sail area and just 23′ LOA, these builds sail comfortably in light air. Mid-breeze requires some adjustment, and heavy breeze demands guts. One wrong jibe can result in the snap of a mast and loss of the massive main sail; NASCAR wrecks have nothing on a Star boat race.

Indeed, competitors will embark on a challenging two-mile diameter course along the Santa Monica Bay, with eight multi-lap races over a four-day stretch. 

US Sailing National Race Officer and CYC Senior Race Officer Bill Stump put it this way: “California Yacht Club (CYC) has a rich history of hosting world class yachting events, and has been a longtime supporter of the Star fleet, so we’re excited to be holding this event! In fact, the first Star Class fleet on the Pacific Coast was established in the 1920s by the founders of California Yacht Club, and venerable CYC Olympian Owen Churchill purchased one of the first boats for the new Southern California fleet. It’s a classic yacht racing design, competitive, elegant and ageless. The Star Class has generated Olympic and America’s Cup champions for decades.”

You can check out more of the event’s history and see how the competition stacks up here.