J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship at Circolo Vela Torbole - Day 1
by Julie & Christopher Howell 26 Jun 2025 18:29 BST
26-29 June 2025
2025 J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship day 1 © Christopher Howell
Lake Garda delivered its finest conditions for the opening day of the first-ever J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship: three races completed in a steady, warm Ora breeze peaking at 20 knots.
With 47 teams from 18 nations, the fleet reflects the success of this inclusive and competitive format. The event brings together an elite mix of sailors: Olympic medalists, world-class professionals, rising talents and skilled amateur teams, all racing under simple, accessible rules that define the Mixed Plus category.
Spain's Yupi took control of the leaderboard with an impressive 1-1-2. Onboard: Joan Cardona Méndez, Gerardo Prego Menor, the Tokyo 2020 Olympian Cristina Pujol Bajo, Fátima Diz Barreras and Pilar Amaro Filgueira. Their consistent performance earned them the Garmin Cup, awarded to the best team of the opening day.
"It's fantastic to sail here with a fleet of unexpectedly high level: we hope to keep up the good work tomorrow!" Cardona commented after the races.
In second place, Australia's Vamos, helmed by Tim Ryan, scored a solid 3-3-5, showing consistency across the board. Third overall, and drawing attention, is To Nessa from Brazil, skippered by Renato Cunha Faria and crewed by Torben Grael, Martine Grael, Kahena Kunze and Kadja Brandao — a crew with nine Olympic medals between them. In fourth place is Sailracing from Sweden with Anton Dahlberg at the helm, followed by the top Italian team, J-Curve of Mauro Roversi, featuring Giulia Conti and Giovanna Micol, fresh off their Women's America's Cup win with Luna Rossa. In sixth, the ever-consistent Catapult (USA) with Joel Ronning, a J/70 World Champion.
The fleet is stacked with Olympic sailors, one-design veterans and international champions — but what makes this event truly special is the blend with Corinthian teams: non-professional sailors who bring passion, dedication and sharp skills to the racecourse. Leading the Corinthian division is Stefano Roberti on Piccinina, followed closely by Italy's Yann Inghilesi with Ciclone and the British team DSP skippered by Douglas Struth. In fourth place is Gianfranco Noè with White Hawk, while the German Die Radiologie close the top-five. With small gaps between them, the racing in this category promises to be just as tight and compelling.
A total of 11 races are planned to crown the very first Mixed-Plus World Champion on Sunday.