J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship at Circolo Vela Torbole - Overall
by Julie & Christopher Howell 29 Jun 16:40 BST
26-29 June 2025
Yupi is the first-ever Mixed Plus World Champion — claiming victory by just 2 points over Vamos after 11 intense races © J/70 Italian Class / Zerogradinord
It's hard to imagine a better debut for the inaugural J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship, held in the iconic sailing venue of Torbole on Lake Garda in Italy.
Forty-seven teams from 17 nations came together for a week of spectacular and intense racing. The event marked a resounding success for a new and innovative format that, right from its first edition, attracted not only some of the top names in the global J/70 scene but also over 25 former Olympic athletes — alongside a record-breaking female presence, with more than 125 women competing.
Framing this high-level event was the unmistakable breeze of Lake Garda and the flawless hospitality of Circolo Vela Torbole, which welcomed more than 250 participants from around the world with professionalism and warmth. It was the perfect combination of sport, passion and vision for the future of sailing, all coordinated by the expert organization of the J/70 Italian Class and J/70 International Class.
From the very first day, it was the Spanish team Yupi who set the pace at the top of the leaderboard, delivering consistently strong performances. At the helm, Olympic bronze medalist in the Finn Class at Tokyo 2020, Joan Cardona Méndez demonstrated expert fleet management and tactical clarity in every condition. The team was comprised of Gerardo Prego Menor, Cristina Pujol Bajo, Fátima Diz Barreras and Pilar Amaro Filgueira. But Yupi's victory was far from guaranteed. Despite leading early on, the Championship was decided in the very last race in a thrilling photo finish. That's when the Spanish team had to respond to the charge from Australia's Vamos, managing to defend their lead by the narrowest of margins — just two points in the final standings. Tim Ryan and his crew delivered a second- and a first-place in the last two races, steadily closing the gap and earning a well-deserved silver medal. Third place went to Sailracing, the Swedish team led by Anton Dahlberg, who finished 30 points behind the Australians. Just off the podium was Brazil's To Nessa helmed by Renato Cunha Faria, followed by the American team Catapult, helmed by Joel Ronning.
Rounding out the top ten were: J-Curve of Mauro Roversi (Italy), Lujzi (Hungary), Brutus II (United Kingdom), T.One (Italy) skippered by Manfredo Toninelli also the winner of the One Pro division for teams with only one professional sailor, and War Canoe (USA).
"We're truly happy to have won this first-ever Mixed-Plus World Championship," said Joan Cardona Méndez. "It was a special event, very different from any other regatta. The level of competition was incredibly high, and seeing so many women on the water was fantastic. Lake Garda gave us perfect conditions, and our team worked in great harmony from day one. This will be an experience we'll always remember."
Just outside the top 10 came the Corinthian fleet, tightly packed from 11th to 15th place. Taking the top spot in the Corinthian division was DSP of Douglas Struth (UK), who managed to overtake Dime of Andrew Loe (USA) on the final day, after Loe had led for most of the event. The bronze medal went to White Hawk of Gianfranco Noè, a former Corinthian World Champion. Completing the top five were Piccinina of Stefano Roberti (Monaco) and Ciclone of Yann Inghilesi (Italy).
The Mixed-Plus format also includes special prizes: for the best all-female crew and the best female helm. The all-female crew award went to Hollandsch Glorie, skippered by Sanne Crum, while the best female helm prize was awarded to Luca Kis-Szolgyemi onboard Ljuzi. Finally, the best team in the Young division was Bulla, with Matilde Garaventa at the helm.
47 teams from 17 nations and 4 continents competed from June 26-29: AUS, BRA, CYP, DEN, ESP, FRA, GBR, GER, JPN, HUN, ITA, MON, NED, POL, SWE, SUI, USA.
The 2026 J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship will be hosted by Royal Danish Yacht Club in Copenhagen Denmark on August 13-16, 2026.