(Reuters) – Long Beach Yacht Club has confirmed plans for the 60th edition of its flagship event, the Congressional Cup, scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 4 2025.
Since its debut in 1965, the Congressional Cup has been a cornerstone of match racing, earning its status as America’s longest-running event of its kind. Since 2000, it has been a fixture of the World Match Racing Tour, one of the sport’s premier international series.
Past champions of the Congressional Cup include some of the biggest names in sailing, such as Ted Turner, Dennis Conner and Francesco Bruni. All have earned the event’s signature prize, the Crimson Blazer, awarded to the winner.
Incoming 2025 Long Beach Yacht Club Commodore Lisa Meier summed up the event’s significance. “The Congressional Cup not only attracts the best talent from around the world but also serves as a vital stepping stone for emerging sailors,” she said.
“It’s an incredible environment, full of camaraderie and passion, where connections are made that can drive the future of match racing.”
This year’s event saw Chris Poole and his Riptide Racing team capture their second consecutive Congressional Cup title, defeating British five-times winner Ian Williams in the final, the opening competition of the 2024 World Match Racing Tour.
Poole leads the skipper standings with two of the 15 events remaining – the Bermuda Gold Cup later this month, and the season-ending tour final in Shenzhen from Dec. 10-15.
(Reporting by Ossian Shine, Editing by Louise Heavens)
