Chris Poole made a dominant start to the 61st Congressional Cup in Long Beach, finishing day one unbeaten. The two-time champion won all six of his matches to lead the standings after the opening round robin. Defending champion Eric Monnin also impressed, posting five wins and one loss in steady 10–14 knot conditions.
Match racing in the Catalina 37 fleet produced close contests throughout, with umpires issuing 14 penalties throughout the day. One of the tightest races saw Poole edge out American newcomer Christian Prendergast in a close duel.
Prendergast, competing in his first Congressional Cup, later beat Denmark’s Jeppe Borch in a race decided in the final seconds. “The field is wide open,” Prendergast said. “Every race is very bow-to-stern.” He added, “I remember well every time I have been shouted at, now it’s my turn to crack the whip,” referring to racing alongside his father, James.
Fresh from his Ficker Cup victory, local skipper Scotty Dickson secured two wins, including a victory over France’s Aurélien Pierroz. “We had a great win at the Ficker Cup,” Dickson said. “But at the Congressional Cup, small mistakes cost you races.”
Ten teams are competing in the double round robin stage. The top four will progress to the semi-finals later this week. Racing continues daily off Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, with the final scheduled for May 3.
