2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship in Marseille - Overall
by Julie & Christopher Howell 30 May 19:16 BST
23-30 May 2026
Alec Cutler's Hedgehog (BER) successfully defended its title at the 2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship, hosted by Club La Pelle and Union Nautique Marseillaise, claiming victory by a commanding 10-point margin after seven races sailed over five days in Marseille.
The Championship brought together 88 teams representing 20 nations, showcasing the very best of amateur keelboat racing in a week defined by challenging conditions, patience, camaraderie and adaptable race management.
Cutler and his crew of Charles Pucciariello, Keith Davids and Brad Rodi—former United States Naval Academy sailors who have competed together for decades—finished with 23 net points after discarding a 27th-place result in the opening race. From there, Hedgehog delivered an impressive and remarkably consistent series of 2, 1, 2, 11, 4 and 3.
The victory marks back-to-back Corinthian World Championship titles for Cutler, who also won the 2025 event. "We all sailed together in college," said Cutler. "It's very special to be able to sail with your friends. It's the way Corinthian sailing should be. We very much enjoy our time together, and the sailing is a bonus." Reflecting on the venue, Cutler added, "Marseille was technically challenging sailing. We are probably the oldest boat by average age, so we have more patience. We have a good time and rely on the Race Committee to do a good job."
Australia's Sam Haynes aboard Celestial finished second overall with 33 points, while Estonia's Tonu Toniste and Lenny completed the podium in third with 39 points. Both teams were formidable contenders throughout the Championship, consistently posting top finishes and remaining firmly in the hunt for the title until the final day of racing.
The final race of the Championship was sailed Saturday after competitors waited ashore under AP postponement while organizers monitored conditions for the expected seabreeze. The patience paid off as an 8-9 knot breeze filled across the racecourse, allowing Race 7 to get under way. Winds eased slightly to 6-7 knots on the final downwind leg.
Spain's Juan Calvo Boronat, helming Let It Be, captured the final race victory, followed by Denmark's Frederik Hvalsoe aboard Sassy in second and overall champion Hedgehog in third.
While Marseille delivered variable winds throughout the week, the event also featured sunshine, warm temperatures and spectacular Mediterranean scenery. Sailors embraced the true Corinthian spirit both on and off the water, with a friendly atmosphere permeating the regatta village and crews gathering each evening to share stories, food and drinks under the setting sun.
Special awards were presented to several standout teams:
Top Helmswoman
Nevra Eker, with all-female team Melis Baykan, Ceren Celayir, Feyza Kayran Gul and Melike Asci (TUR)
Top Young Team
Simon Kaiser, Niklas Kaiser, Carlos Biber and Philip Kleisner (SUI)
Top Mixed Plus Team
Lorenz Kausche, Timon Kausche, Morgane Emery and Chloé Fischer (SUI)
The organizers extended their gratitude to the Race Committee, volunteers, sponsors, Club La Pelle, Union Nautique Marseillaise and all competitors whose enthusiasm and sportsmanship helped make the Championship a memorable celebration of Corinthian sailing.
Overall Results: (top ten)
1. Alec Cutler (BER) - 23 points
2. Sam Haynes (AUS) - 33 points
3. Tonu Toniste (EST) - 39 points
4. Andrew Loe (USA) - 47 points
5. Maria Bover Guerrero (ESP) - 50 points
6. Kim Christensen (DEN) - 55 points
7. Frederik Hvalsoe (DEN) - 66 points
8. Robert Davis (AUS) - 84 points
9. Harry Twomey (IRL) - 89 points
10. Haluk Babacan (TUR) - 96 points
The 2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship featured teams from 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, underscoring the truly international appeal of one-design Corinthian competition.