KYC Regatta Reports

2026 KYC @ J80 NA REGATTA

This past weekend, four KYC boats raced at the J80 North Americans hosted by CORK out of Portsmouth Olympic Harbor. In total, 8 races were held over 3 days for the 27 boats.  

Throughout the competition, sailors raced in fairly light shifty breeze from a variety of directions including north east and east as well as a soft thermal.  The racing proved to be very close and exciting. Mistakes were often costly and could push a boat to the back of the fleet very quickly! Sailors had an opportunity to learn from the leaders each evening at debrief sessions led by the top boats of the day.

In the end, Americans took the top 3 spots. Full results can be found at Sailwave results for 2026 J/80 North American Championship & Viper 640 Great Lakes Championship at CORK/Sail Kingston 2026. The final rankings of KYC sailors was as follows:

• 16th: J-Walking: Andrew Jirat-Wasiutynski, Thomas Elias, Sam Skinner, Erika Vines

• 17th: H-Bomb: Russell Hopper, Ellie Clarke, Skylar Van Rossem, Josh Wilby

• 18th: Breakaway J: Hugh McGugan, Andrew Kenny, Rachel Harris, Andy Roy

• 24th: Joyride: Matt Emerson, Madalin Emerson, Shirley Wildenbeest, Liam Wilson

Special thanks to all the volunteers at CORK, which include many KYC members, for their time dedicated to this regatta both on and off the water.

This upcoming week, the KYC teams along with more than 30 others will compete at the J80 Worlds, also hosted out by CORK, July 20-25. J80s certainly provide fun and action packed racing, which you may want to come and check out!