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2024 Star World Championship at San Diego Yacht Club – Day 1
September 7-13, 2024
San Diego delivered incredible conditions on Day One of the 2024 Star World Championship. With sunshine, 12 to 15 knots of northwesterly breeze, and a mix of chop with ocean swell, the 64 teams had an exhilarating experience.
The eager fleet was ready to go, and after two general recalls, PRO Tom Duggan had to hoist the Black Flag to ensure a clean start for the five-leg race. The unpredictable winds required teams to be in the right place at the right time while managing their boats through the chop and strong gusts. Unfortunately, six teams were unable to finish the race.
At the first top mark, America’s Cup legend John Kostecki and Star Olympian Austin Sperry were leading, closely followed by Will Stout and Danny Cayard. Coming in right behind them was Paul Cayard, Class President and renowned sailor, accompanied by Star World Champion Frithjof Kleen. The top teams were neck-and-neck, with Cayard/Kleen rounding the right gate just seconds ahead of Kostecki/Sperry, who chose a leftward route.
A thrilling battle unfolded on the second upwind leg, leading Kostecki/Sperry to arrive first at the second top mark, with Cayard/Kleen trailing in second. Stout/Cayard secured third, while the Altolaguirre brothers, Leandro and Lucas from Argentina, claimed fourth just ahead of local legend Eric Doyle and Payson Infelise. The Altolaguirres had a stellar downwind leg, rounding the gate in second behind Cayard/Kleen, whose speed downwind was impressive. This order held true at the finish, with Cayard/Kleen taking victory in the first of six races, placing them at the lead in the championship.
Paul Cayard shared, “It was a great race; we just kept it super simple. Although we didn’t have a great start because I had to bail out at the pin end, that side was favored and eventually we found a decent lane. I think mainly we were fast and sailed smartly. Our training has prepared us well for this race, leaving us optimistic for the week ahead.”
Frithjof Kleen added, “We had really good speed, picked the right shifts, chose the right gates, and were always sailing in favorable pressure. The Argentinians were pushing hard and were quite quick, so we had to keep an eye on them. Paul helmed excellently, and it was a fantastic and enjoyable experience!”
Looking ahead, racing is set to start at 1300 tomorrow, with forecasts indicating lighter winds, offering a refreshing change and potential opportunities for those skilled in light breezes.
For more information, visit worlds.starchampionships.org.
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Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.
