CYCA's Tapper and crew score massive international win at the 61st Congressional Cup
by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 4 May 05:40 BST
April 29 - May 3, 2026
A crew who cut their teeth sailing at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) have scored one of the biggest wins in world match racing, taking out the prestigious Congressional Cup in Long Beach, California today.
The Congressional Cup is recognised as the 'granddaddy' of modern world-class match racing: the premier and longest running event of its kind in North America.
With skipper Cole Tapper at the helm, the all CYCA-member crew of Tapper, Max Brennan, Jack Frewin, Nathan Gulliksen, George Richardson and Hamish Vass dominated defending champion Eric Monnin and his Swiss crew 3-0 in the final of the five-day regatta.
All six sailors came through the CYCA's world-renowned Youth Sailing Academy (YSA) program and are a prime example of the high quality of the Club's pathways, delivered by CYCA head coach Jordan Reece.
It's just the second time in the event's 61-year history that an Australian team has topped the podium, 38 years after the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club's Peter Gilmour tasted victory.
It was a story of redemption for Tapper and crew who missed the final in the 2025 Congressional Cup to place third. They trailed American star 2-0 in the semi finals before winning the last three races of five to secure their spot in the regatta's decider.
"Today was a really awesome day," a jubilant Tapper said after claiming the title.
"We went into it with medium expectations, we knew we had a big job to do to be here but I'm so glad we've done it.
"The team is so happy. It was almost quiet for a second on board when we finished. We're just really stoked."
CYCA Commodore Dr Sam Haynes said he could not be prouder of the resilience the Australian team.
"Congratulations to Cole and the crew on a sensational performance at the Congressional Cup," Haynes said.
"All of them have come through the CYCA's Youth Sailing Academy and all are still Members.
"Their result today reflects the strong work ethic and outstanding program that Jordan (Reece) and his team have built.
"We can't wait to celebrate with them when they return from the US."
Full results can be found here.