McKillen’s surge clinches M32 World Championship in style

MIAMI (Nov. 22, 2025) – After five years in the class, Ryan McKillen’s Surge has climbed to the top of the M32 world. With a string of consistent results, the team secured their first World Championship title with a race to spare.

“It feels good—really good,” said McKillen moments after crossing the line. “Five years in the class and a lot of hard work.”

From a picket-fence performance in January and four back-to-back wins this year, Surge arrived in Miami with a target on their backs and delivered under pressure.

“We were on a heater at the start of the year, then reset over the summer. Newport knocked us off the pedestal a bit. It was a good gut check,” McKillen said. “It showed us how to refocus for this event. This year we peaked late instead of early; that’s kind of our MO. We’ve always finished strong.”

With Surge firing on all cylinders this week—led by tactician Taylor Canfield, crew members Sam Loughborough, Stewart Dodson, Luke Payne—the team ended the 19-race series with a race to spare, a rare occurrence in the M32 fleet.

“There’s a temptation to chase quick results and make changes early, but I believe in investing time in the guys and getting better together. That’s been my approach—and we just showed it works,” McKillen added.

Canfield, who began sailing M32s over a decade ago, called the win a full-circle moment. “These boats launched my high-performance career,” he said. “After 13 years in the class, to now win a world championship with this team—it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Surge wasn’t alone in pushing hard. TUUCI, helmed by Cy Thompson, remained a threat through the very end. Phil Robertson’s ChinaOne.Ningbo rounded out the podium in third overall, while Bobby Julien’s Dingbat takes home third Corinthian.

While the racing was fierce, the onshore scene was pure Miami. Each night, sailors gathered at TUUCI Village, where BACARDÍ cocktails, a hand-rolled cigar bar, and dominoes tables brought the class together. Social events ran nightly throughout the week, blending laid-back celebration with high-stakes competition.

The M32 fleet now shifts focus to 2026, beginning with a four-stop Miami Winter Series, hosted monthly out of Shake-A-Leg in Coconut Grove: Jan 9-11, Feb 6-8, March 13-15, and April 17-19. Demo boats are available for those interested in testing the M32 and joining the fleet.

Hats off to Surge! Let the turquoise confetti fly. “We’ll be painting the town teal,” said McKillen.