The Masters, Grand Masters, and Great Grand Masters competition at the 2026 Hobie 16 International Championships concluded Thursday after four days of racing at Ocean Springs Yacht Club. Sailors in the three age divisions competed together in a single fleet, with results scored separately for each division.
Ocean Springs has proven to be a welcoming venue for the championship. The hospitality and warmth of the yacht club have been particularly appreciated throughout the event, even as competitors faced challenging and inconsistent wind conditions.
Four Days of Challenging Racing
Days 1 and 2 featured a light southeast sea breeze that was both shifty and unpredictable. Sailors searched for the limited lanes of wind across the course, with success depending on a combination of boat handling, tactical decisions, and a little luck. Finding and maintaining pressure was critical in the light-air conditions.
Day 3 brought a significant change in the weather pattern, with the breeze shifting to the northeast and increasing substantially. The wind was approximately three times stronger than on the preceding days. While the racing began in a relatively consistent, though patchy, breeze, the side of the course chosen by sailors had a significant impact on their results.
Four races were completed during the day, which included multiple mark changes, numerous wind shifts, a course featuring a B mark, and several capsizes. Wind speeds reached approximately 22 knots, adding another dimension to the day’s competition.
Day 4 began with the results still unsettled, leaving competitors with opportunities to improve their positions in the final races. However, the wind presented another challenge, with two competing breezes affecting both races.
Sailors encountered sudden holes in the wind, gusts arriving from the leeward side, and difficult approaches to the offset mark that sometimes required double tacks. An attempt was made to move the course farther east in search of more consistent conditions, but ultimately the race committee raised AP/A and sent the fleet ashore, bringing the series to a close.
Bradley Davis/Connor Newcomb (USA) won the master division, Herb James/Jose Justiniano (USA) won the grand master division and Vincente De La Guardia/Carolina Maurette (CUB) won the great grand master division.
Looking Ahead
The competition in Ocean Springs continues with two exciting events on the schedule.
On Friday, the fleet will head to Ship Island for a long-distance race covering approximately 10 nautical miles. Refreshments will be provided for sailors upon their arrival at the island.
The Open Hobie 16 International Championships begin Sunday, with 61 boats currently entered. The event promises to bring another group of sailors to Ocean Springs for the next stage of championship racing.
Complete results are available through Regatta Network. Additional event photos and coverage will be posted through the Hobie Class website and Facebook.
Photos by Michael Walker Photography
Results: Regatta Network
Event Coverage: Hobie Class — www.hobieclass.com
Facebook: HCANA — https://www.facebook.com/HCANorthAmerica
More photos on the IHCA Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/hobieclass
Event Media Contact:
Rich McVeigh
301-526-6046
[email protected]
