Surge Triumphs at 172nd New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta
by Hannah Lee Noll 15 Jun 04:33 BST
June 12-14, 2026
Ryan McKillen's M32 catamaran Surge wins at New York Yacht Club's Annual Regatta © Hannah Lee Noll
Ryan McKillen's Surge opened the M32 Newport summer season with a victory at the 172nd New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta, with recent college graduate Mitchell Callahan stepping aboard the defending World Champions' boat and helping secure the win in his first M32 regatta.
One of the weekend's biggest stories was found at the helm of Surge. Callahan, who had never raced an M32 before this week, was entrusted with driving duties throughout the regatta. Surrounded by a veteran crew of Taylor Canfield, Ted Hackney, Will Tiller, and Stewart Dodson, he rose to the occasion.
"It was my first time really touching the boat or seeing it up close," said Callahan. "I just feel lucky to have had the opportunity to sail with these guys. It was really incredible."
After 11 races across three very different race courses, Surge emerged on top. Tuuci, winners of Friday's Around-the-Island Race, finished second overall, while Larry Phillips's Midtown Racing put on a show, winning the final day and securing third position overall. The regatta once again showcased the depth of the M32 fleet, with multiple teams claiming race wins and the leaderboard remaining fluid throughout the weekend.
For tactician Taylor Canfield, the event was another important step toward the M32 World Championship, which will be held in Newport this fall: "We're really using it as a training event as we ramp up toward the World Championship," said Canfield. "We're sailing the boat really well right now. We've been rotating a few people through the lineup and everyone seems to be gelling really well. We're excited to see how much further we can grow this season."
The 172nd Annual Regatta showcased the full range of M32 racing: Friday's Around-the-Island Race sent the fleet beneath bridges, past historic lighthouses, out into the Atlantic Ocean, and back through the bays. The M32 start was last, but it wasn't long until the fleet flew past nearly 150 boats, including 12 Metres, Cape 31s, IC37s, classic yachts, Swans, TP52, you name it.
Saturday returned sailors to the class's traditional format: short-course one-design racing. The fleet chose an outside course off Beavertail Lighthouse, where a building sea breeze delivered sunshine, spray, and five fast races. Sunday brought the fleet back inside Narragansett Bay for a final day of racing, creating a completely different tactical challenge and concluding a weekend that highlighted the versatility of the M32 platform.
For many teams, Newport is the highlight of the season. Summer weekends blend world-class racing with everything that makes Newport special. Mornings begin with coffee in town and a leisurely stroll to Midtown. The fleet spends just a few hours on the water, then afternoons end with oysters on the dock at Midtown Race Club. Evenings continue at Harbour Court with the New York Yacht Club community before sailors spill into town for lobster rolls, drinks at the Clarke Cooke House, and another night with friends. The racing is exceptional, but Newport's unique combination of sailing history, waterfront, and walkable social scene keeps sailors coming back year after year.
Sailors were happy to once again join the New York Yacht Club and nearly 1,000 sailors competing across the Annual Regatta.
"It was amazing to be part of the Annual Regatta and mix in with our friends from all the other classes," said McKillen. "Major thanks to the New York Yacht Club for the hospitality."
The event also marked the return of many international M32 sailors to Newport. Cape Crow Vikings owner Håkan Svensson of Sweden plans to race each Newport regatta this season as the fleet builds toward the M32 World Championship in September. "It's so good to be back in the sailing mecca and seeing old friends from sailing over the years," said Svensson. "Newport is one of those places everyone looks forward to."
The M32 Newport Summer Series continues with monthly one-design regattas, Thursday night Pro-Am racing, and a full slate of coastal distance races leading to the 2026 M32 World Championship, Sept. 28-Oct. 3.
New owners are encouraged to join the fleet. Charter boats are available at every sanctioned event, and prospective owners can experience the boats firsthand during Thursday night racing and regatta weekends. Bring your own team or let the class matchmake you with an experienced crew. To learn more, contact Dave Doucett at .