Jim Cunningham moved into the overall lead after a demanding second day at the 2026 Etchells World Championship in San Diego. Four races have now been completed in the 76-boat championship fleet racing off Coronado Roads.
Tuesday’s racing began under a thick marine layer, with unstable breeze and shifting pressure creating difficult tactical conditions. Australia’s Jeanne-Claude “JC” Strong and her Flying Higher crew produced the standout performance of the day with two race wins.
Strong, sailing with Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton, led Race 3 from start to finish after favouring the left side of the course. “Winning these races, I had such a feeling of happiness,” said Strong. “It was just amazing.”
Rick Merriman’s USA 1453 finished second in Race 3, while Jim Cunningham’s Lifted placed third.
By Race 4, sunshine had returned, but the shifting breeze continued to test crews across the racecourse. Flying Higher again found early gains off the line and built a commanding lead during the downwind legs to secure a second straight victory.
Austin Sperry’s Raygun finished second after battling through the unstable conditions.
Despite Flying Higher’s double win, consistency proved decisive overall. Cunningham and the Lifted crew moved to the top of the standings with steady results of third and sixth on Tuesday. Cunningham’s crew includes Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain and Serena Village.
In the Corinthian Division, Rhode Island siblings Ben and Sarah Wilkinson moved into the amateur lead after finishing third overall in Race 4.
Free Bird keeps the Corinthian charge alive in San Diego. Photo: Mark Albertazzi
Racing continues this week at San Diego Yacht Club with two races scheduled daily through Friday.
