2026 J/24 Midwinter Championship delivers thrilling finish at Florida Yacht Club
by Julie & Christopher Howell 16 Mar 18:18 GMT
March 13-15, 2026
The 2026 J/24 Midwinter Championship saw three days of competitive racing and memorable shoreside hospitality at Florida Yacht Club from March 13-15.
Hosted by the club and Fleet 55, the Championship drew 42 boats from across North America for nine races over three days, delivering tight racing and a dramatic final outcome.
Friday's opening day saw three races in a breeze that began strong before easing through the afternoon. Sailors returned to shore early enough to enjoy drinks poolside before heading out to explore the dining scene around Jacksonville. Saturday delivered the regatta's busiest day, with four races sailed in shifty conditions that challenged both competitors and the Race Committee. The shifting breeze kept crews on their toes and the standings in flux throughout the day.
After racing, sailors enjoyed post-race festivities featuring live music and a delicious dinner, setting the stage for the Championship's final showdown. Sunday's final two races began in light but steady winds that gradually built through the morning. With the top three boats separated by only a handful of points, the battle for the title remained wide open. In the end, the top three teams finished just one point apart, capping one of the closest Midwinter finishes in recent memory.
Claiming the 2026 J/24 Midwinter Championship was Paul Abdullah (USA) sailing Closets by Design-Tremendous Slouch with 49 points. Abdullah's crew included Ian Hunter, Jeff Hayden, Tucker Gilliam and Max Vinocur. Second place went to Tony Parker (USA) aboard Bangor Packet with 50 points, while Evan Petley-Jones (CAN) took third overall and top Corinthian honors on Lifted with 51 points, sailing with Ben Maloni, Evan Burns, Matt Soosalu and Emily Merry. A strong 31-boat Corinthian (all-amateur) division competed within the fleet. Following Petley-Jones' victory, Mike Stasko's Redline placed second Corinthian, while Alfred Constants' Blitz finished third.
Additional awards recognized outstanding teams across the fleet:
- Best Women's Team: Amy Woodard's J-Magikk
- Best Youth Team: Sam Hopper's Pringle
Overall Results: (top ten)
1. Paul Abdullah (USA) - Closets by Design-Tremendous Slouch - 49
2. Tony Parker (USA) - Bangor Packet - 50
3. Evan Petley-Jones (CAN) - Lifted - 51 (Corinthian)
4. Rossi Milev (CAN) - Clear Air - 56
5. Telmo Basterra (USA) - Untamed - 59
6. Mike Stasko (USA) - Redline - 75 (Corinthian)
7. Daniel Borrer (USA) - Jesus Lizard - 79
8. Alfred Constants (USA) - Blitz - 83 (Corinthian)
9. Rick Jarchow Jr. (USA) - Team Exit Strategy - 86 (Corinthian)
10. Tim Monahan (USA) - Tarheel - 102 (Corinthian)
Beyond the racing, competitors praised the exceptional hospitality and seamless event management provided by Florida Yacht Club, the organizing team and volunteers. Boats were hauled and de-rigged in record time, allowing sailors to wrap up a spectacular weekend efficiently to enjoy the awards ceremony and more camaraderie.
Event details and full results here