Racing opened at the 2026 Etchells World Championship in San Diego with two tactical races and mixed fortunes across the 76-boat fleet. After an early postponement caused by the city’s familiar “May Gray” marine layer, sunshine and a steady 8–10 knot westerly breeze settled over the Coronado Roads racecourse.
The fleet, representing 11 nations, completed two 90-minute races on a demanding four-lap course off Point Loma.
Scott Kaufman’s Rogue (USA 1519) emerged as the overall leader after posting the most consistent scores of the day with his crew of Lucas Calabrese, Gonçalo Ribeiro and Hugo Rocha. Kaufman sits on 10 points after finishing second in the second race.
Rogue USA 1519 sets the early pace at the Etchells Worlds. Photo: Mark Albertazzi
The opening race was won by Austin Sperry’s RayGun (USA 1527), sailed with Noel Drennan and John Kostecki. The American crew capitalised on a favourable right-hand shift on the first beat and controlled the race from the front. Jay Cross finished second, while local skipper Chris Busch took third aboard Buschido (USA 969).
Reigning world champion James Mayo endured a difficult first race after choosing the unfavoured left side of the course despite winning the pin-end start. However, Mayo bounced back strongly in race two aboard AUS 1526 with Ben Lamb and Paul Cayard to secure victory. “We had good starts, and that is huge in this fleet,” said Busch. “We had the settings dialled in for these conditions,” he added.
Among the Corinthian crews, Sarah Wilkinson’s Free Bird (USA 1060) impressed by finishing as the top amateur team in the opening race. “We love sailing Corinthian, and we love sailing with the best of the best,” Wilkinson said. “We’re out there racing with beers and having fun, but we’re also here to do our best,” she added.
Free Bird USA 1060 leads the Corinthian charge in San Diego. Photo: Mark Albertazzi
Race officer Mark Foster praised the efficiency of the race management system, aided by Vakaros tracking technology to identify premature starters quickly. “We start on time, we don’t have any penalty flags, everyone sails every race, and our time on the water is very effective,” Foster said.
Racing continues through Friday with two races scheduled daily off San Diego.
