Jack Jennings and Phil Trinter (USA) have been crowned 2026 Star North American Champions after dominating the eight-race championship in Tampa, Florida. The American duo led the championship from the opening race and sealed the title with five victories in eight races, finishing on just 10 net points with a race to spare.
Champions Crowned – Jack Jennings and Phil Trinter celebrate their 2026 Star North American Championship victory in Tampa after securing five race wins and finishing eight points clear of their nearest challengers. Photo: Lexi Pline Photography
Final-Day Battle for Podium Places
The final day on Friday, 30th October, brought two more races in a northerly breeze of 10–12 knots, with the competition for the remaining podium positions going down to the wire.
Jennings and Trinter added a second place in Race 7 before sitting out the final race, having already secured the championship. Behind them, John Loe and Shane Zwingelberg (USA) delivered a strong finish, winning Race 7 and taking third in Race 8 to claim the silver medal with 18 points.
Light Air Challenge – Lighter, tactically demanding breezes tested Star Class crews during the final two days of the 2026 North American Championship in Tampa, following stronger winds earlier in the series. Photo: Lexi Pline Photography
George Szabo and Guy Avellon (USA) completed the podium with 21 points after finishing sixth and second in the day's races, recovering from an earlier DNC to secure bronze.
Jim Buckingham and Brad Nichol (USA) finished fourth overall, while Burkhard Keese and Jesper Spehr (GER) took fifth on countback ahead of Keith Dodson and Mark Strube (USA).
The final race victory went to Doug Smith and TC Belco, providing a fitting conclusion to four days of competitive Star sailing.
Testing Conditions Across Eight Races
The championship offered a variety of conditions, from strong northerly winds and gusts exceeding 20 knots on the opening days to the lighter, tactically demanding breeze of the final two days. Throughout the eight races, the fleet delivered close battles and exciting mark roundings.
Light Air Tactics – Finding clear wind, maintaining boat speed and making the right tactical calls proved crucial as Star crews battled for position in Tampa's lighter conditions. Photo: Lexi Pline Photography
The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony celebrating the new North American Champions and the leading finishers.
The championship follows a busy international season for the class, including the Star European Championship and the 2026 international championship programme. The official championship website carries further event information.
