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Reuters
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Monnin magic as Swiss skipper lifts sailing's Congressional Cup at 11th attempt
Summary Monnin wins Congressional Cup on 11th attempt Poole's bid for historic victory thwarted by Monnin Tapper's CYCA team finishes third, showing progress LONG BEACH, California, May 5 (Reuters) - Swiss skipper Eric Monnin clinched his first Congressional Cup on Sunday, beating champion Chris Poole of the United States 3–2 in a tense final at the 60th staging of the regatta known as the 'granddaddy' of match sailing. Monnin finally got his hands on the silverware — and the crimson blazer that comes with it — at his 11th attempt. The win wasn't just sweet for Monnin, it was a spoiler too, as he stopped Poole from sailing into the history books. Poole, fresh off a clean sweep against Aussie Cole Tapper in the semis, had been aiming to become only the second skipper to win three successive regatta victories, after American ace Taylor Canfield's feat from 2014 to 2016. "Chris put a lot of pressure on us, and we were close to cracking under it," 49-year-old Monnin said. "But winning this regatta is a big step for us. It's a big deal, and it means a lot to do it with this crew," he said of the team, which included his wife Ute and brother Jean-Claude. The closely fought final saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Poole drawing first blood before Monnin responded with back-to-back victories. The American levelled in race four, setting up a decisive winner-takes-all encounter. The climactic race delivered drama as Monnin suffered an early penalty off the start line but kept in contention in the light, fickle breeze. Fortune swung his way at the first windward mark when Poole clipped the buoy, earning a penalty that cancelled out Monnin's earlier infringement. With the slate wiped clean, a game of inches ensued. Monnin nursed a slender lead down the final run before the boats split gybes at the bottom of the course. Despite Poole catching a late puff to narrow the gap, the Swiss held firm to secure victory. Australia's Tapper completed the podium, claiming third place after defeating American Dave Hood in another series that went the distance. The result marked remarkable progress for Tapper's Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Youth Sailing Academy team, which finished eighth in their Congressional Cup debut last year. The Congressional Cup has been a fixture of the World Match Racing Tour since 1965, and is a high-stakes duel in Long Beach where six- or seven-person teams race identical Catalina 37s, all under a strict 525kg crew weight limit. Podium: 1-Eric Monnin / Capvis Swiss Match Racing (Switzerland) crew: Ute Monnin Wagner, Mathieu Renault, Jean-Claude Monnin, Simon Brügger, Julien Falxa, Maxime Mesnil 2-Chris Poole / Riptide Racing (U.S.) crew: Joachim Aschenbrenner, Ben Lamb, Mal Parker, Rob Scivenor, and Harry West 3-Cole Tapper / CYCA (Australia) crew: Jack Frewin, Max Brennan, Hamish Vass, Nathan Gulliksen, and George Richardson
The Star
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Sailing-Monnin stuns Poole to claim first Congressional Cup
LONG BEACH, California (Reuters) -Swiss skipper Eric Monnin clinched his first Congressional Cup on Sunday, beating champion Chris Poole of the United States 3–2 in a tense final at the 60th staging of the regatta known as the 'granddaddy' of match sailing. Monnin finally got his hands on the silverware — and the crimson blazer that comes with it — at his 11th attempt. The win wasn't just sweet for Monnin, it was a spoiler too, as he stopped Poole from sailing into the history books. Poole, fresh off a clean sweep against Aussie Cole Tapper in the semis, had been aiming to become only the second skipper to win three successive regatta victories, after American ace Taylor Canfield's feat from 2014 to 2016. "Chris put a lot of pressure on us, and we were close to cracking under it," 49-year-old Monnin said. "But winning this regatta is a big step for us. It's a big deal, and it means a lot to do it with this crew," he said of the team, which included his wife Ute and brother Jean-Claude. The closely fought final saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Poole drawing first blood before Monnin responded with back-to-back victories. The American levelled in race four, setting up a decisive winner-takes-all encounter. The climactic race delivered drama as Monnin suffered an early penalty off the start line but kept in contention in the light, fickle breeze. Fortune swung his way at the first windward mark when Poole clipped the buoy, earning a penalty that cancelled out Monnin's earlier infringement. With the slate wiped clean, a game of inches ensued. Monnin nursed a slender lead down the final run before the boats split gybes at the bottom of the course. Despite Poole catching a late puff to narrow the gap, the Swiss held firm to secure victory. Australia's Tapper completed the podium, claiming third place after defeating American Dave Hood in another series that went the distance. The result marked remarkable progress for Tapper's Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Youth Sailing Academy team, which finished eighth in their Congressional Cup debut last year. The Congressional Cup has been a fixture of the World Match Racing Tour since 1965, and is a high-stakes duel in Long Beach where six- or seven-person teams race identical Catalina 37s, all under a strict 525kg crew weight limit. Podium:1-Eric Monnin / Capvis Swiss Match Racing (Switzerland)crew: Ute Monnin Wagner, Mathieu Renault, Jean-Claude Monnin, Simon Brügger, Julien Falxa, Maxime Mesnil2-Chris Poole / Riptide Racing (U.S.)crew: Joachim Aschenbrenner, Ben Lamb, Mal Parker, Rob Scivenor, and Harry West3-Cole Tapper / CYCA (Australia)crew: Jack Frewin, Max Brennan, Hamish Vass, Nathan Gulliksen, and George Richardson (Reporting by Ossian Shine; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Monnin stuns Poole to claim first Congressional Cup
LONG BEACH, California - Swiss skipper Eric Monnin clinched his first Congressional Cup on Sunday, beating champion Chris Poole of the United States 3–2 in a tense final at the 60th staging of the regatta known as the 'granddaddy' of match sailing. Monnin finally got his hands on the silverware — and the crimson blazer that comes with it — at his 11th attempt. The win wasn't just sweet for Monnin, it was a spoiler too, as he stopped Poole from sailing into the history books. Poole, fresh off a clean sweep against Aussie Cole Tapper in the semis, had been aiming to become only the second skipper to win three successive regatta victories, after American ace Taylor Canfield's feat from 2014 to 2016. "Chris put a lot of pressure on us, and we were close to cracking under it," 49-year-old Monnin said. "But winning this regatta is a big step for us. It's a big deal, and it means a lot to do it with this crew," he said of the team, which included his wife Ute and brother Jean-Claude. The closely fought final saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Poole drawing first blood before Monnin responded with back-to-back victories. The American levelled in race four, setting up a decisive winner-takes-all encounter. The climactic race delivered drama as Monnin suffered an early penalty off the start line but kept in contention in the light, fickle breeze. Fortune swung his way at the first windward mark when Poole clipped the buoy, earning a penalty that cancelled out Monnin's earlier infringement. With the slate wiped clean, a game of inches ensued. Monnin nursed a slender lead down the final run before the boats split gybes at the bottom of the course. Despite Poole catching a late puff to narrow the gap, the Swiss held firm to secure victory. Australia's Tapper completed the podium, claiming third place after defeating American Dave Hood in another series that went the distance. The result marked remarkable progress for Tapper's Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Youth Sailing Academy team, which finished eighth in their Congressional Cup debut last year. The Congressional Cup has been a fixture of the World Match Racing Tour since 1965, and is a high-stakes duel in Long Beach where six- or seven-person teams race identical Catalina 37s, all under a strict 525kg crew weight limit. Podium:1-Eric Monnin / Capvis Swiss Match Racing (Switzerland)crew: Ute Monnin Wagner, Mathieu Renault, Jean-Claude Monnin, Simon Brügger, Julien Falxa, Maxime Mesnil2-Chris Poole / Riptide Racing (U.S.)crew: Joachim Aschenbrenner, Ben Lamb, Mal Parker, Rob Scivenor, and Harry West3-Cole Tapper / CYCA (Australia)crew: Jack Frewin, Max Brennan, Hamish Vass, Nathan Gulliksen, and George Richardson REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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.
