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2024 Star World Championship Begins at San Diego Yacht Club
September 7-13, 2024
San Diego Yacht Club holds a significant place in the history of the Star Class. With over 15 Star World titles won by SDYC members, it has produced some of the most renowned sailors, including Lowell North, Malin Burnham, and Dennis Conner. This year’s championship is particularly special as it takes place in one of the focal points of Star sailing in the USA. The event commenced with an official ceremony and flag parade presented by the SDYC Junior Sailors. The championship will follow its traditional format, with one 2-mile leg race per day over six days, culminating in the announcement of the 2024 Star World Champions on September 13.
Paul Cayard, Star Class President and a 1988 Star World Champion, expressed his pride in being part of such a historic event: “Standing with the 100-year-old World Championship Trophy makes you realize once again the great history of the Star Class and the big legacy we have to honor as Star sailors. This trophy was won 15 times by members of the San Diego fleet. We’re really happy to be back in San Diego, where everyone is friendly and the organization is superb.”
A strong contingent of sixty-four teams representing 14 countries is set to compete for the Gold Star and their place in history. Notable names among the competitors include Class President Paul Cayard, sailing with two-time World Champion Frithjof Kleen, and local sailors George Szabo and Eric Doyle. Miami Star and Snipe hero Augie Diaz, alongside his previous winning partner Bruno Prada, will also be aiming for victory.
Swiss sailor Piet Eckert, teamed with Portuguese sailor Bruno Melo, looks to continue their pursuit of glory after finishing as runners-up last year. America’s Cup legend John Kostecki is making his Star World debut, joined by Olympian Crew Austin Sperry, as they seek to prove their skills on the water. The competition also includes six Under-30 teams, five from the USA and one from India, who is in the US completing his master’s degree in Astronomy.
SDYC Commodore Al Pleskus remarked, “We’re thrilled to host sailors from around the globe for this prestigious event. Over the next week, we will witness incredible racing, honor some of sailing’s greatest legends, and enjoy memorable events both on and off the water.” The first warning for races will be signaled starting tomorrow at 1:00 PM local time (GMT -7) and will be repeated daily until Friday.
For more information, visit worlds.starchampionships.org.
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Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.
