2025 US Multihull Championship at Corpus Christi Yacht Club - Preview

2025 US Multihull Championship © Lexi Pline / US Sailing

The 2025 U.S. Multihull Championship will unite more than 90 competitors from 25 states and 3 countries for four days of exhilarating, high-performance racing co-hosted by the Corpus Christi Yacht Club and the Formula Wave Class. Marking the last and largest US Sailing Adult Championship of 2025, this record-breaking regatta reflects the continued surge of enthusiasm and participation in multihull sailing across North America and beyond.

Recognized as one of the premier national championships in the U.S., the event has long drawn world champions, Olympic medalists, and national titleholders to its start line. Competitors will once again vie for the prestigious Hobie Alter Cup, awarded annually to the nation's top multihull sailor(s). Developed by US Sailing's Multihull Council in 1985, this championship was established to celebrate and advance the sport of multihull sailing, providing a national platform to determine the U.S. National Multihull Champion. Each year, the event rotates among different multihull designs, challenging sailors to demonstrate adaptability, teamwork, and mastery in diverse conditions.

"We think we have the opportunity to hold a regatta that is not only accessible, but also attractive to a large number of people," said Ben Wells, competitor and President of the Formula Wave Class, the host class for the 2025 championship. "Partnering with US Sailing makes sense from a support and visibility standpoint and adds an additional layer of prestige to the regatta. Beyond great racing, we're also focusing heavily on the social side. We hope every sailor walks away having had a great time, regardless of their finishing position."

Founded in 2018, the Formula Wave Class is dedicated to promoting and growing the Hobie Wave as an accessible and sustainable racing platform. The class emphasizes simplicity, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, designating Clean Regattas each year to ensure venues are left better than they were found.

Event leadership includes Event Co-Chairs Wendy Rice-Larson, Chris Wessels and Ben Wells, Chief Judge Shannon Bush, and Principal Race Officer Mark Foster, bringing championship-tested experience on and off the water to deliver fair, professional racing and great competitor experience. This year's format will feature a qualifying series over the opening days, allowing the 90-plus teams to race in seeded groups before being split into gold and silver fleets for the championship finals. The structure ensures competitive balance across the large fleet and guarantees that every sailor experiences high-quality, evenly matched racing throughout the week.

As the largest fleet in years takes to the water, the lineup features an exceptional blend of multihull passion, talent, and experience. Among the entrants is Sheila Holmes, a veteran multihull sailor and former Event Chair of the U.S. Multihull Championship. Praised for her work organizing the 2024 championship at Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club, Holmes brings a unique dual perspective as both previous host and competitor, continuing to champion the inclusive spirit that defines the multihull community. The 2025 entry list also includes a world-class international presence, led by Yamil Saba, 2019 Hobie 16 World Champion and 2025 Hobie 16 North Americans silver medalist. Saba's participation underscores the global appeal and competitive depth of this year's championship. He'll be joined by Puerto Rico's, Pedro "The Doctor" Colón, a former Olympian in the Tornado class whose career spans decades of catamaran racing and mentorship throughout the Caribbean.

Alongside these veterans, the Formula Wave Class brings a strong roster of U.S. talent led by Ben Wells who is joined by Iowa racers Chris and Xander Wessels and Jake Larson, all consistent top performers on the Wave circuit. Eric Dorschner and Rod Haglund add Midwestern depth with recent podium finishes, while Mike Montague, a past national champion and longtime multihull advocate, returns with trademark camaraderie and competitive spirit. Jane Sherrod, representing the Gulf Coast, brings her trademark steadiness and experience from national and regional events, all together reflecting the grassroots momentum driving multihull growth across America.

"This year's U.S. Multihull Championship is historic, the largest fleet assembled in decades, drawing sailors from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and South America," said John Nekus, Chair of the U.S. Multihull Championship Committee. "Expect pure adrenaline: up to 12 races across four days, practice sessions, post-race socials, and a strong sustainability partnership with the Surfrider Foundation and Sailors for the Sea. Whether podium-bound or beach-bound, everyone will leave Corpus Christi with unforgettable memories, sharpened skills, and lifelong friendships."

From Olympians and world champions to first-time national competitors, the 2025 U.S. Multihull Championship celebrates the breadth and diversity of the multihull community. Together, they will make history on the waters of Corpus Christi Bay, a perfect setting for speed, skill, and sailing camaraderie along the warm, sunny Texas Gulf Coast.

Spectators and fans can look forward to thrilling competition and daily updates through US Sailing's Instagram and Facebook channels or the event website.