2025 Star North American Championship at Pass Christian Yacht Club - Overall
by ISCYRA 12 Apr 23:40 UTC
April 8-12, 2025
After four thrilling and challenging days of racing, Jack Jennings (USA) and Pedro Trouche (BRA) have been crowned the 2025 Star North American Champions in Pass Christian, Mississippi. The duo delivered a remarkably consistent performance across a variety of conditions to secure the title, holding off fierce competition from George Szabo and Guy Avellon (USA) and Paul Cayard with Luke Lawrence (USA) — the top three boats separated by just three points after seven completed races.
The final day on the Mississippi Sound delivered one last weather puzzle for the sailors and Race Committee. What began with a hint of northerly breeze quickly turned into a full-blown chess match with the wind - alternating between sea breeze and northerly puffs in a battle for dominance. In a span of just 45 minutes, the wind shifted from due north to 210 degrees, backed to 140 degrees, then suddenly roared in at 328 degrees, before settling around 010 degrees. The instability made race management incredibly complex - and the sailors had their hands full on the water.
Race 7 got under way bearing 335 degrees with a 1.5nm weather leg, in winds ranging from 5 to 12 knots, and gusts up to 18. Shifty conditions and strong current near the top mark created a tactical minefield. After a long upwind leg and an equally tricky downwind, the Race Committee shortened the course to 1.1nm for the final lap. Emerging victorious in the chaos were Will Stout and Danny Cayard, with Paul Cayard and Luke Lawrence finishing second, and Scott Barnard and Kilian Weise taking third.
Despite determined efforts, Race 8 proved impossible to run. The breeze oscillated wildly between 285 degrees and 345 degrees, forcing the Race Committee to make multiple adjustments to both the signal vessel and course marks - each time narrowly avoiding nearby reefs. With the drop-dead time fast approaching and the breeze continuing to shift left, the Race Committee made the tough but correct call to abandon racing for the day.
2025 Star North American Championship Overall Results: (top three)
1. Jack Jennings (USA) / Pedro Trouche (BRA)
2. George Szabo / Guy Avellon (USA)
3. Paul Cayard / Luke Lawrence (USA)
With shifting winds, tactical racing, and top-class competition, Pass Christian Yacht Club delivered an unforgettable championship. Special thanks to the dedicated Race Committee and volunteers of Pass Christian Yacht Club who made the event possible, even under demanding conditions.
The International Star Class now looks ahead to the next major events on the 2025 calendar with the European Championship and the Western Hemisphere Championship quickly approaching in June.
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