The 61st Congressional Cup at Long Beach Yacht Club entered its second day of fierce competition, with three past champions leading the charge. Chris Poole (USA), a two-time champion, solidified his position at the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 11 wins and only one loss. Fresh off his 2025 title, Eric Monnin (SUI), and Johnie Berntsson (SWE), the 2009 winner, are in a tight battle for second place, each with nine wins and three losses.
Competitors faced a lively afternoon breeze ensuring thrilling matchups as ten world-class teams from six nations completed the initial round robin. The focus now shifts to the second round robin, where securing points will be crucial for those aiming to reach the semi-finals.
Poole’s perfect start was disrupted during an intense race against Berntsson, who racked up five wins on the day, enhancing his momentum as the knockout rounds loom. “I don’t care about the losses. I only care about who wins the last race of the regatta,” Poole stated, reflecting his determination.
In a dramatic showdown against Oscar Engström (SWE), competing in his first Congressional Cup, Poole managed to perform a remarkable late-race manoeuvre to offset a penalty and clinch victory. “Things weren’t looking good, then we pulled a rabbit out of the hat,” he said.
Monnin, showcasing his championship calibre, carved out four tough victories, including navigating other teams’ challenges successfully, such as a strenuous race with Scotty Dickson.
Only six races remain for each team, and with battles for semi-final entries heating up, Friday’s matchups will likely deliver significant excitement. Racing is scheduled to resume tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at Belmont Pier, where the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, taking place through Sunday. Spectators are welcome to view the action for free at the Congressional Cup Stadium at Belmont Pier.
For event updates and more information, visit
www.thecongressionalcup.com and
www.wmrt.com.
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