2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship in Marseille - Day 2
by Julie & Christopher Howell 27 May 18:50 BST
The 2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship continued Wednesday with another challenging day of light and variable conditions on the Golfe de Marseille, hosted by Club La Pelle and Union Nautique Marseillaise.
Following Tuesday's single match, competitors once again completed one race on Wednesday as Race Committee worked patiently through a delayed seabreeze that didn't arrive as forecasted. Teams set off in the morning anticipating the early thermal, but after an AP postponement afloat, officials moved the course farther offshore in search of more stable pressure.
The new racing area delivered 8-10 knots for the setup, with Race 2 beginning in 7-9 knots under brilliant sunshine and warm Mediterranean temperatures. As the race progressed, the breeze steadily faded, forcing the Race Committee to shorten the course at the second weather mark as winds dropped to 5-6 knots.
Despite the difficult conditions across the opening two days, several teams have demonstrated remarkable consistency in the shifty and tactical racing. Australia's Sam Haynes and Celestial now lead the Championship after posting the win in Wednesday's race. Norway's Kristoffer Spone aboard Bagdad II sits second overall, while the United States' Andrew Loe and Dime are third. Celestial captured victory in Race 2 on Wednesday, followed by Bermuda's Alec Cutler and Hedgehog in second, with France's Denis Infante aboard Euro-Voiles taking third.
The Championship features 88 teams representing 20 nations: Australia, Bermuda, Denmark, Estonia, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey and the United States.
After racing, competitors returned ashore to another vibrant evening along the Marseille waterfront village, enjoying the summer-like weather and international camaraderie that continues to define the event.
Racing continues through Saturday, with a total of 10 races scheduled.