There’s no room for faint hearts or fluffed manoeuvres this weekend as eight match racing teams swagger into Long Beach, Ca. for the 2025 Ficker Cup — a bruising, no-second-chances shootout where only two crews will emerge bloodied but victorious with golden tickets to the big dance: the 60th Congressional Cup.
The Ficker Cup — named after Bill Ficker, the man who steered Intrepid to America’s Cup glory in 1970 with more style than swagger — is the gatekeeper to match racing’s Holy of Holies. It kicks off Friday 25 April and runs through Sunday 27 April, with the Long Beach Yacht Club playing gracious host while keeping a close eye on its precious crimson blazers.
And the cast? A tasty international mix of brawlers and brainiacs. Four American hopefuls: Nicole Breault, Cormac Murphy, Pearson Potts, and Ryan Seago. Two determined Frenchmen — Maxime Mesnil and Aurélien Pierroz — bringing that Gallic flair and fire. Add Canada’s Peter Wickwire and Australia’s Zac West, and you've got a melting pot of ambition set to boil over.
Spectators with any sense will make their way to Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, where the racing will be so close you will be able to hear the protest calls. It’s all free, with live commentary.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Because once the carnage of the Ficker Cup wraps up, there’s just a day's downtime before the main event cranks into gear: the 60th Anniversary Congressional Cup, starting Tuesday 29 April with practice, and full-tilt racing from 30 April to 4 May.
And who’s waiting at the top of the match racing mountain? None other than Chris Poole, two-time reigning champ and owner of the steeliest grin in modern sailing. His Riptide Racing crew are back to hunt for an unprecedented third consecutive Crimson Blazer.
But Poole’s road to the record books isn’t exactly a paved promenade.
Swede Johnie Berntsson — a past winner and eternal menace — is back with a full-strength Berntsson Sailing Team. Eric Monnin and his Capvis Swiss Match Racing outfit, third last year, will be itching to climb higher. Young gun Cole Tapper from Australia returns with fire in his belly after an eighth-place finish in 2024. And let’s not forget Long Beach local Dave Hood and his DH3 Racing team, who know these waters better than anyone.
Oh, and did we mention there are two spots still up for grabs?
Whoever finishes in the top two at the Ficker Cup gets to join this battle royale — a ten-boat field brimming with talent, grit, and more than a few grudges.
The Congressional Cup will be streamed live from 2–4 May on YouTube so make sure you subscribe to the World Match Racing Tour channel and prepare for some serious head-to-head theatre.
2025 FICKER CUP SKIPPERS
1. Nicole Breault (USA)
2. Maxime Mesnil (FRA)
3. Cormac Murphy (USA)
4. Aurélien Pierroz (FRA)
5. Pearson Potts (USA)
6. Ryan Seago (USA)
7. Zac West (AUS)
8. Peter Wickwire (CAN)
2025 CONGRESSIONAL CUP SKIPPERS
1. Chris Poole / Riptide Racing (USA)
2. Johnie Berntsson / Berntsson Sailing Team (SWE)
3. Eric Monnin / Capvis Swiss Match Racing (SUI)
4. Rocco Attili / RBYS Racing (ITA)
5. Ian Garreta / Med Racing (FRA)
6. Cole Tapper / CYCA (AUS)
7. Dave Hood / DH3 Racing (USA)
8. Björn Hansen / Hansen Sailing Team (SWE)
9. Ficker Cup 1st Place
10. Ficker Cup 2nd Place
Get all areas access to Yacht Racing Life with a Full Membership free 30-day trial. There's no obligation and you can cancel at anytime.
