Past champions set the pace at Congressional Cup

Two-time Congressional Cup champion Chris Poole (USA) continues to lead the fleet in commanding fashion with 11 wins and just 1 loss, while defending 2025 champion Eric Monnin (SUI) and 2009 winner Johnie Berntsson (SWE) are locked in a fierce tie for second place at 9-3.

A lively afternoon sea breeze delivered another spectacular day of close duels and tactical sailing as ten world-class match racing teams from six nations completed the first round robin stage. Attention now turns to the decisive second round robin, where every point matters in determining the top four teams advancing to this weekend’s semi-finals.

Poole’s perfect opening-day streak came to an end in a marquee showdown with longtime rival Berntsson, who surged to five victories on the day to strengthen his Swedish team’s charge toward the knockout rounds.

“We had a good race with Johnie, but he was just able to get the right side of us and stay ahead,” said Poole. “I don’t care about the losses. I only care about who wins the last race of the regatta.”

Poole also survived one of the most dramatic finishes of the regatta against Swede Oscar Engström, competing in his first Congressional Cup. Trailing with a penalty entering the finish, Poole executed a brilliant last-second maneuver to offset the penalty before gybing across the line for an impressive win. “Things weren’t looking good,” said Poole. “Then we pulled a rabbit out of the hat.”

Meanwhile, Monnin demonstrated why he wears the defending champion’s Crimson Blazer, grinding out four hard-fought comeback victories.

“We had to work hard today, but we’re pleased with our wins,” said Monnin. “We had a tough tacking duel with Scotty Dickson, and against Oscar Engström we had to clear a penalty at the finish with almost no room.”

With only six races remaining for each team in the double round robin, Friday’s final qualifying matches promise high drama as teams battle for a coveted place in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Racing continues tomorrow at Belmont Pier at 11:30 a.m. local time. Following the qualifying stage between the ten teams, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals with racing continuing through Sunday. Viewing is free for spectators at the Congressional Cup Stadium at the end of Belmont Pier.