2025 Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta kicks off with competitive spirit
by Long Beach Yacht Club 14 Jul 20:14 NZST
12-20 July 2025
2025 Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta © Simone Staff
The highly anticipated 2025 Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta officially commenced on Saturday, 12 July, marking the beginning of Olympic campaigns since the venues were announced. The first week of the OCR includes five Olympic classes: Mixed 470s, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, Women's Formula Kite, and Men's Formula Kite. Racing for these classes continues through Tuesday, 16 July.
Many competitors, coaches and support staffs have been in Long Beach since May, using the time to set up training camps to train on potential venues in conditions they anticipate for the 2028 Olympics. On Day One they experienced an early Catalina eddy, with the wind direction clocking from 125 to 235. The sun came out and the winds eventually began to fill in.
The 470s were the furthest course to the East with breeze filling in first. Course Race Officer Wendy Corzine expressed her enthusiasm about the event, noting that the small fleet of 470s was eager to compete. "They were highly aggressive on the start line at every race. The steady wind speeds, ranging from 7 to 9 knots, provided competitors the opportunity to showcase their lighter wind skills and tactics."
470 Olympian Lara Dallman, who is crewing with Justin Callahan, the 2025 College Sailor of the Year from Harvard University, shared her excitement: "Day one, so nice to be out here in Olympic waters, we're ready to roll into it!"
On the ILCA course, the lighter winds created a steady yet competitive atmosphere. Racers were starting mere inches from the line, adding to the intensity of the races. PRO Mark Townsend commented on the day's competitive nature: "This is some of the most competitive racing we've seen in a long time with a very deep field. Obviously, some of the best racers in the world are here."
ILCA 6 Olympian Eve McMahon, the first Irish sailor to reach the top spot in the World Sailing rankings for the ILCA 6, echoed the sentiments of her fellow competitors, stating, "The wind conditions have been really nice every day. Today, we're looking forward to racing the fleet versus practice. I'm excited to start my Olympic campaign here in Long Beach."
Spectators at Claremont Beach in Belmont Shore were treated to Olympic medalists and world champions on the Formula Kite courses today. 50 kites in the men's and women's classes put on a world class show! As the regatta continues, spectators and fans can expect thrilling races and fierce competition among the world's top sailors, all vying for a chance to represent their countries in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Day one finishes for all classes can be found at www.longbeachocr.com.
Follow Long Beach OCR on Instagram. Daily Results, Photos & Video posted at: lb_ocr_28.