The 2025 Hobie 16 North American Championships are officially underway at Pensacola Yacht Club , with practice racing completed today and the main competition set to begin tomorrow.
Organizers ran two practice races, giving sailors a chance to get familiar with the racecourse and conditions. The opening race started in a light 5-knot breeze from the northeast, but a dramatic 50-degree shift to the southeast brought steadier 8–10 knot winds. Competitors who stayed on the right side of the course benefited from the change, showcasing just how quickly tactics can turn in Hobie 16 racing.
Both fleets completed two races before race officials called it a day, allowing competitors to head ashore and enjoy the welcome party hosted at the yacht club.
This year’s championship has drawn 69 Hobie 16 teams from six countries, marking the largest Hobie 16 North Americans in the past decade and well above the average entry of 55 boats. The strong turnout reflects the growing enthusiasm for Hobie sailing across the continent and sets the stage for a thrilling week of competition.
Racing officially begins tomorrow, with a full schedule of championship races ahead. Over the coming days, sailors will face a variety of conditions that will test skill, teamwork, and tactical decision-making as they vie for the prestigious North American title.
