A Cruising Yacht Club of Australia crew has claimed a major international match racing title in California.
Cole Tapper and his all-CYCA team won the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, one of the sport’s longest-running events. The Australian crew defeated defending champion Eric Monnin of Switzerland 3-0 in the final.
Race Pace: Tapper’s CYCA crew in match racing action off Long Beach
The five-day regatta is widely regarded as a leading event in world match racing. Tapper sailed with Max Brennan, Jack Frewin, Nathan Gulliksen, George Richardson and Hamish Vass. All six sailors progressed through the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy programme.
It marks only the second Australian win in the event’s 61-year history, following Peter Gilmour’s success in 1987. The victory follows a third-place finish in 2025, where the team missed the final.
Tapper said the result exceeded expectations. “Today was a really awesome day,” he said. “We knew we had a big job to do to be here.” He added, “The team is so happy. It was almost quiet for a second on board when we finished.”
Cheque Mate: Cole Tapper’s crew collect the Congressional Cup prize in Long Beach
CYCA Commodore Dr Sam Haynes praised the crew’s performance. “Congratulations to Cole and the crew on a sensational performance,” he said. “Their result reflects the strong work ethic and the programme built by coach Jordan Reece.”
The team is expected to return to Australia in the coming weeks.
