Location: Long Beach, California
Dates: June 12-15, 2025
The North Americans in Long Beach this year were a reminder of just how challenging and rewarding this venue can be. Four days of racing, twelve scheduled races, and the unique rhythm of “June gloom” each morning gave the event its character. The fog and cloud cover lingered well into midday, and with start times set at noon, we spent much of the regatta in light-to-moderate conditions — 5–7 knots, oscillating and slowly swinging right as the seabreeze fought to establish itself.
In the lead-up, I had four productive training days with international groups, and the speed felt good across all conditions. I was especially encouraged to see progress from the winter and spring work come through. Launching a new boat — my first since 2018 — was another highlight, and it’s now set up in LA for the next few years of training and racing.
The racing itself was tight. With the British Sailing Team fresh off strong Worlds results, the level of competition was high. Over the four days I managed to stay in touch with the front group, often recovering from less-than-ideal first beats through solid upwind and downwind speed. By the final day, I was just one point off the North American lead and nine points off fourth overall.
The last two races didn’t quite go my way. Both times I ended up on the wrong side of the breeze at critical moments — first while in a strong position, then after my worst first beat of the event. That left me with 8th and 11th place finishes on the day, and 2nd North American, 6th overall by the end of the regatta.
It wasn’t the closing I had hoped for, but I left feeling proud of the way I raced and confident in the speed and progress I’ve built this season. With Long Beach OCR coming up next month, I’m excited to return here and keep pushing. Thanks to Port Credit Yacht Club, to my hosts in California, and to everyone whose support continues to make this possible.
Road to LA 2028: Next Stop, Long Beach Olympic Class Regatta
I’m back again to compete on the Olympic waters of LA 2028 from July 12 to 15.