Latest news with #RiptideRacing


The Star
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Sailing-Monnin surges into second at Congressional Cup
LONG BEACH, California (Reuters) - -Switzerland's Eric Monnin delivered a masterclass in match racing at the 60th Long Beach Yacht Club Congressional Cup on Thursday, sweeping all three races to surge into second place. The Swiss skipper, twice a third-place finisher at the prestigious event, now sits at 10–2 behind defending champion Chris Poole of the United States (11–1) as the second qualifying round-robin gets underway. "We had some tight matches and tight situations, but everything went well today, which we're really happy about and is a big credit to the crew," said Monnin, whose flawless day included a victory over tournament leader Poole. "There's a lot of racing left, so we need to keep the momentum going," he said. While Monnin found his groove, Sweden's Johnie Berntsson also discovered a rich vein of form, winning all three of his second round-robin matches after finishing the first round in seventh position. "We're learning a lot, and everyone is working really hard from the front to the back of the boat," Berntsson said. "Today we got some more points, and I'm happy with how we're developing. But there are still things to do and improve on." The leaderboard continues to tighten, with Australia's Cole Tapper and local hopeful Dave Hood remaining firmly in contention after strong first-round performances, while Sweden's Björn Hansen hovers within striking distance in fifth. Poole's Riptide Racing team, meanwhile, remains the benchmark, with just a single defeat marring their title defence so far. Only the top four teams after the double round-robin format – where each skipper faces every opponent twice – will advance to the semi-finals and have a chance to don the tournament's coveted Crimson Blazer. The Congressional Cup, a cornerstone of the World Match Racing Tour since 1965, is a high-octane sailing showdown in Long Beach that helped shape the sport's modern rules and umpiring. Crews of six or seven battle it out in identical Catalina 37s for the Crimson Blazer, making it both a fan favourite and a launchpad for future America's Cup stars — all while keeping team weight under 525 kg. (Reporting by Ossian Shine; Editing by Joe Bavier)


Reuters
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Monnin's winning streak puts pressure on Poole at Sailing's 60th Congressional Cup
LONG BEACH, California, May 2 (Reuters) - - Switzerland's Eric Monnin delivered a masterclass in match racing at the 60th Long Beach Yacht Club Congressional Cup on Thursday, sweeping all three races to surge into second place. The Swiss skipper, twice a third-place finisher at the prestigious event, now sits at 10–2 behind defending champion Chris Poole of the United States (11–1) as the second qualifying round-robin gets underway. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here. "We had some tight matches and tight situations, but everything went well today, which we're really happy about and is a big credit to the crew," said Monnin, whose flawless day included a victory over tournament leader Poole. "There's a lot of racing left, so we need to keep the momentum going," he said. While Monnin found his groove, Sweden's Johnie Berntsson also discovered a rich vein of form, winning all three of his second round-robin matches after finishing the first round in seventh position. "We're learning a lot, and everyone is working really hard from the front to the back of the boat," Berntsson said. "Today we got some more points, and I'm happy with how we're developing. But there are still things to do and improve on." The leaderboard continues to tighten, with Australia's Cole Tapper and local hopeful Dave Hood remaining firmly in contention after strong first-round performances, while Sweden's Björn Hansen hovers within striking distance in fifth. Poole's Riptide Racing team, meanwhile, remains the benchmark, with just a single defeat marring their title defence so far. Only the top four teams after the double round-robin format – where each skipper faces every opponent twice – will advance to the semi-finals and have a chance to don the tournament's coveted Crimson Blazer. The Congressional Cup, a cornerstone of the World Match Racing Tour since 1965, is a high-octane sailing showdown in Long Beach that helped shape the sport's modern rules and umpiring. Crews of six or seven battle it out in identical Catalina 37s for the Crimson Blazer, making it both a fan favourite and a launchpad for future America's Cup stars — all while keeping team weight under 525 kg.


The Star
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Sailing-Poole schools the field as Congressional Cup turns 60
LONG BEACH, California (Reuters) -Defending champion Chris Poole has made a loud statement of intent at the 60th Anniversary Congressional Cup, steering his Riptide Racing team to six straight victories on Wednesday's opening day of competition. After morning light winds, Long Beach's signature sea breeze allowed organisers to complete six flights of the opening round-robin. "We had a great day today - the crew is working really well together and we are focusing on one race at a time, but a good start for us and we will build on the momentum," said American Poole, who seeks a third consecutive Crimson Blazer. Switzerland's Eric Monnin, Australia's Cole Tapper, and local skipper David Hood share second place with four wins apiece. Canada's Peter Wickwire claimed three victories, including upsets against veterans Eric Monnin and Johnie Berntsson. "Storm Match Racing is pretty excited about our first day. We've been watching Johnie and Eric for a long time - we've sailed against them before and they have always cleaned us up, so it was a pretty cool day for us to beat them both," said Wickwire. Spectators at Belmont Pier witnessed aggressive pre-starts and tight finishes as the world-class field showcased why the Congressional Cup remains one of match racing's premier events. The Congressional Cup, held annually in Long Beach, is one of sailing's premier match racing events. Founded in 1965, it helped pioneer modern rules and on-the-water umpiring. Skippers compete in identical Catalina 37s for the coveted Crimson Blazer, making it a key stop on the World Match Racing Tour and a proving ground for future America's Cup talent. Congressional Cup teams typically consist of six or seven members, who, combined, must remain within the maximum team weight limit of 525 kg. (Editing by Christian Schmollinger)


Reuters
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Poole schools the field as sailing's Congressional Cup turns 60
Summary Poole leads with six straight victories on opening day Monnin, Tapper, Hood tie for second with four wins each Wickwire upsets veterans Monnin and Berntsson with three wins LONG BEACH, California, May 1 (Reuters) - Defending champion Chris Poole has made a loud statement of intent at the 60th Anniversary Congressional Cup, steering his Riptide Racing team to six straight victories on Wednesday's opening day of competition. After morning light winds, Long Beach's signature sea breeze allowed organisers to complete six flights of the opening round-robin. "We had a great day today - the crew is working really well together and we are focusing on one race at a time, but a good start for us and we will build on the momentum," said American Poole, who seeks a third consecutive Crimson Blazer. Switzerland's Eric Monnin, Australia's Cole Tapper, and local skipper David Hood share second place with four wins apiece. Canada's Peter Wickwire claimed three victories, including upsets against veterans Eric Monnin and Johnie Berntsson. "Storm Match Racing is pretty excited about our first day. We've been watching Johnie and Eric for a long time - we've sailed against them before and they have always cleaned us up, so it was a pretty cool day for us to beat them both," said Wickwire. Spectators at Belmont Pier witnessed aggressive pre-starts and tight finishes as the world-class field showcased why the Congressional Cup remains one of match racing's premier events. The Congressional Cup, held annually in Long Beach, is one of sailing's premier match racing events. Founded in 1965, it helped pioneer modern rules and on-the-water umpiring. Skippers compete in identical Catalina 37s for the coveted Crimson Blazer, making it a key stop on the World Match Racing Tour and a proving ground for future America's Cup talent. Congressional Cup teams typically consist of six or seven members, who, combined, must remain within the maximum team weight limit of 525 kg.

Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Poole schools the field as Congressional Cup turns 60
LONG BEACH, California - Defending champion Chris Poole has made a loud statement of intent at the 60th Anniversary Congressional Cup, steering his Riptide Racing team to six straight victories on Wednesday's opening day of competition. After morning light winds, Long Beach's signature sea breeze allowed organisers to complete six flights of the opening round-robin. "We had a great day today - the crew is working really well together and we are focusing on one race at a time, but a good start for us and we will build on the momentum," said American Poole, who seeks a third consecutive Crimson Blazer. Switzerland's Eric Monnin, Australia's Cole Tapper, and local skipper David Hood share second place with four wins apiece. Canada's Peter Wickwire claimed three victories, including upsets against veterans Eric Monnin and Johnie Berntsson. "Storm Match Racing is pretty excited about our first day. We've been watching Johnie and Eric for a long time - we've sailed against them before and they have always cleaned us up, so it was a pretty cool day for us to beat them both," said Wickwire. Spectators at Belmont Pier witnessed aggressive pre-starts and tight finishes as the world-class field showcased why the Congressional Cup remains one of match racing's premier events. The Congressional Cup, held annually in Long Beach, is one of sailing's premier match racing events. Founded in 1965, it helped pioneer modern rules and on-the-water umpiring. Skippers compete in identical Catalina 37s for the coveted Crimson Blazer, making it a key stop on the World Match Racing Tour and a proving ground for future America's Cup talent. Congressional Cup teams typically consist of six or seven members, who, combined, must remain within the maximum team weight limit of 525 kg. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.