Sailing legends set course for Split - 2025 Star World championship returns to the Adriatic Sea
by ISCYRA 4 Sep 2025 15:55 UTC
7-13 September 2025
The historic city of Split is preparing to welcome the sailing world for one of its most iconic and prestigious events: the 2025 International Star Class World Championship, organized by Sailing Club Mornar (JK Mornar) in cooperation with the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association.
Set in the heart of Croatian sailing, this edition promises to blend tradition, excellence, and tight racing on the waters of the Split Channel.
From September 7 to 13, Split will host 107 teams from 20 nations, all eager to etch their names into the legacy of a championship that first began in 1922. The schedule kicks off with the Official Practice Race and Opening Ceremony on Sunday, September 7, where sailors, officials, and guests will gather in full tradition as they will on Saturday September 13, for the Prize Giving Ceremony following the last race.
This year's championship will see a remarkable level of experience and excellence on the water, with 14 past Star World Champions returning to compete. Among the skippers are John Kostecki (USA) title holder, Diego Negri (ITA), Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL), Robert Stanjek (GER), George Szabo (USA), Eric Doyle (USA), Enrico Chieffi (ITA) who won the European Championship right here in 2021, and Class President Paul Cayard (USA). On the crew side, champions include Austin Sperry (USA) 2024 winner with Kostecki, Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA), Frithjof Kleen (GER), Bruno Prada (BRA), Samuel Goncalves (BRA), and Pascal Rambeau (FRA). With such a high-caliber field, the 2025 Star World Championship in Split is poised to deliver an unforgettable week of world-class racing.
"The Star Class honors tradition while embracing the future," said Paul Cayard, President of the International Star Class. "We're seeing young talent rise through the ranks, racing shoulder to shoulder with the legends. To welcome over 100 teams, more than a century after the first Worlds, is a testament to the enduring strength of the Star. We are thrilled to bring the World Championship to Croatia for the first time, a country with deep passion for sailing, great sailors and spectacular conditions."
Among the 107 competing teams are 12 Under-30 skippers, a clear sign of the Star Class's appeal to the next generation of sailors. In addition, five women will be on the starting line, both at the helm and as crew, marking a significant step toward greater inclusivity in a class historically dominated by men.
The Star World Championship is celebrated for its traditional and demanding race format: one long race per day, sailed over a four-leg course of approximately 2 nautical miles per leg, with each race lasting no less than 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. It's not just about speed — it's a test of tactics, strategy, endurance, and patience. Lead changes are frequent, and close battles unfold throughout the fleet, keeping both sailors and spectators on edge right up to the final maneuvers.
As the Star Class celebrates over a century of racing heritage, the 2025 edition in Split promises a perfect blend of history and world-class competition. With the stunning Croatian coastline as a backdrop, and with an elite field of sailors from all generations, this year's championship will be one to remember.
Watch the Star World Championship LIVE thanks to CROATEL
Entry list, results, photo and video galleries available at: worlds.starchampionships.org