Congressional Cup - Day 1 - Poole dominates

Long Beach, Calif. (April 29, 2026) – The 61st edition of the Congressional Cup, hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club, started with ten of the world’s top match racing teams competing for essential qualification points. Two-time champion Chris Poole and Riptide Racing (USA) set the pace, finishing unbeaten with six victories. Defending champion Eric Monnin and the Swiss Match Racing Team also had a strong showing with five wins and one loss.

Favourable racing conditions prevailed with a steady 10-14 knot westerly breeze, resulting in competitive races among the Catalina 37 fleet, where the International Umpires issued a total of fourteen penalties throughout the day.

A highlight was Poole’s match against USA’s Christian Prendergast, which proved fiercely contested. In his inaugural Congressional Cup, 20-year-old Prendergast later triumphed over Denmark’s Jeppe Borch in a thrilling race that saw multiple lead changes, penalties, and a dramatic finish.

Post-race, Prendergast expressed excitement about the competitive landscape, noting a five-way tie among teams with two wins. He also remarked on the unique experience of racing alongside his father, James Prendergast, in the crew.

Additionally, Scotty Dickson of Long Beach YC secured his first win of the regatta by overcoming France’s Aurélien Pierroz. Fresh off a victory at the Ficker Cup, Dickson noted the stakes at the Congressional Cup are significantly higher, where even minor mistakes can lead to losses.

Racing resumes tomorrow at Belmont Pier, starting at 11:30 a.m. local time. After a double round-robin series, the top four teams will move on to the semi-finals, with races running through Sunday.

The Congressional Cup continues from April 29 to May 3, 2026, featuring elite match racing skippers competing off Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach, California. Spectators can enjoy free viewing from about 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, accompanied by live coverage from Friday to Sunday.