Buschido defends title at 2026 Bill Bennett Cup
by Melanie Aalbers 20 Jan 00:05 UTC
January 17-18, 2026
2026 Bill Bennett Cup - 2026 Etchells West Coast Spring Series © Mark Albertazzi
The San Diego Yacht Club proudly announces the conclusion of the 2026 Bill Bennett Cup, the opening regatta of the Etchells West Coast Spring Series, drawing a competitive fleet of 42 boats from across the United States, Australia, and Mexico. The annual event honors the legacy of Bill Bennett while delivering tightly contested racing in classic San Diego winter conditions.
For the second consecutive year, Buschido and Chris Busch, Ben Mitchell, and Patrick Powell, claimed the overall victory, demonstrating consistency and composure across a challenging weekend that tested patience, timing, and fleet awareness.
The podium was rounded out by Stark Raving Mad and Skip Dieball (for Jim Madden) with Jeff Reynolds and Jeff Eiber, in second place, followed by Nimbus and Eduardo Saenz Sr., Eduardo Saenz Jr., Willem Van Waay, and Greiner Hobbs, taking third overall.
Overall Results: (top three)
1st - USA 969 Buschido: Chris Busch / Ben Mitchell / Patrick Powell
2nd - USA 1477 Stark Raving Mad: Skip Dieball (for Jim Madden) / Jeff Reynolds / Jeff Eiber
3rd - USA 1372 Nimbus: Eduardo Saenz Sr. / Eduardo Saenz Jr. / Willem Van Waay / Greiner Hobbs
Corinthian Division: (top three)
1st - USA 1452 Team Shred (4th Overall): Oliver Toole / Mateo Vargas / Justin Doane / Kara Voss
2nd - USA 1229 Capricorn (6th Overall): Ethan Doyle / Brad Rodi / Matt Hecht, with Mary Grace Card on Saturday and Harrison Doyle on Sunday
3rd - USA 1429 Viva (7th Overall): Don Jesberg / John Bonds / Jeff Wayne
The Corinthian fleet delivered a strong performance throughout the weekend, claiming four of the top eight positions overall and underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the amateur teams in the series.
The weekend delivered typical January San Diego conditions, shaped by light morning pressure and evolving sea-breeze patterns. Saturday featured a Santa Ana influence before the breeze filled to 10-12 knots, with racing ultimately getting under way mid-afternoon following a significant pre-start wind shift that favored the pin end. Sunday opened with calm conditions before filling to 6-7 knots for the first race, followed by a second race sailed in a steadily diminishing breeze that faded near the finish.
Reflecting on the on-the-water challenges:
"This was one of those classic San Diego days where the wind wants to settle at 270 degrees, but it doesn't always get there cleanly," shared Bill Hardesty. "It rewarded teams who stayed flexible and kept their heads out of the boat."
The regatta also served as a meaningful tribute to Bill Bennett's lasting impact on the Etchells fleet. "This regatta is really about the people," said Mark Ivey about his mentor. "Bill always made time for others and made everyone feel part of the community. That spirit is still very present here."
Chris Busch, reflecting on Buschido's repeat victory, highlighted the depth of competition:
"This fleet is incredibly competitive from top to bottom. Winning the Bill Bennett Cup again means a lot, especially given what this regatta represents to the Etchells community."
Beyond the racing, the Bill Bennett Cup once again showcased the strength and camaraderie of the Etchells class. WCSS Chair Melanie Aalbers noted the significance of the strong early-season turnout, sharing that "it was great to see so many boats already on the line in January. It really sets the tone for the series and builds momentum as we head toward larger and larger events throughout the spring."
Saturday evening's social gathering and competitor debrief further underscored that spirit. Led by Bill Hardesty, with insights from Ben Mitchell and River Paquin, the discussion offered competitors valuable perspective. "Hearing directly from sailors at the front of the fleet creates a unique learning environment," Aalbers added. "It's one of the things that makes the fleet so special."
That sense of connection carried through to Sunday's awards celebration, where competitors gathered to recognize the winners and reflect on the weekend. With Eric Doyle set to lead the February debrief at the Pacific Coast Championship, the West Coast Spring Series continues to blend high-level competition with education, collaboration, and a shared passion for the Etchells class.
The San Diego Yacht Club and the Etchells fleet extend congratulations to all competitors, celebrating a weekend that honored legacy, camaraderie, and world-class one-design racing.
For more information on the Etchells West Coast Spring Series, please visit www.westcoastspringseries.com and www.sdyc.org.