Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
|
|
President's Message
2024 has been a very successful year for the Star class. Some highlights:
- San Diego Yacht Club reminded us of what our World Championships should look and feel like
- Associate membership grew by over 25% which speaks well of our youth and future
- SEA by Schoonmaker and Bacardi began a partnership to facilitate access to the legendary Bacardi Cup for U30 teams from all over the World
- Jim Buckingham and SDYC combined to support a young Argentinian team, (who finished 3rd at the World Championship-one point out of 1st!) More of this happened in Europe with Arnd Glunde and the Nixdorf Foundation and in Argentina at the South American Championship, reminding us of the fraternity that we are!
- The Round tables and mentorship at Bacardi and the World Championship demonstrated our sense of responsibility to “pay it forward”.
- Operationally, the Class closed an ambitious financial year in the black!
- The CMC approved the 2025 budget on December 16th.
- We have a new builder in Argentina which is extremely valuable to all South American Star sailors
- We had two town Halls and two expert presentations online.
- Class registered as a participant with SafeSail in its first year.
What can we do more and better?
- Communicate more
- Listen better
- Work harder, together, across all territories
- Market the class more professionally so we can attract sponsors
- Grow our support of the next generation
In 2025,
- By popular request, we will have 3 town halls
- the class will not take the normal fee for full U30 entries at silver and gold events. We want to contribute to the host clubs’ efforts in this regard.
- SEA and Nixdorf will meet in Janaury to discuss collaboration of their mission
- SEA is proud to offer the following: Dave Perry’s explanation of the 2025-2028 Rules of Sailing on January 28, on two different sessions. Frithjof Kleen will provide a free clinic, in Miami, on February 4. 10 boats for U30 sailors from all over the world at Bacardi, mentors for each U30 team and Round Tables on Sunday and Tuesday evenings.
- We have hired a professional media team (2 people) to attend most of our Gold and Silver events, capturing images and creating content that will be used to produce a professional and consistent media product, which can be distributed across many channels.
- Class dues will increase for 2025. From 2012- 2023 dues were not increased. For 2024 and 2025, we have had to do “catch up” increases. At $150/year for Active members, I feel this is one of the more insignificant costs of sailing a Star. Please pay your dues in January as per our By-Laws. Now that our revenue is where we need it, I am hopeful that a nominal COLA (cost of living allowance) will be sufficient in the years to come.
- If everyone of us continues to take a small piece of the responsibility to help a young person,,,friendly advice in the parking lot, loaning a boat, providing a place to stay, donating sails….we will continue to grow our membership with young people who will be the life blood of the class for 40-50 years and make more lifelong friends.
In closing, I hope you all feel that the Class is moving in a positive direction. I hope you see the value of your membership in the greatest class in the sport of Sailing. I also hope you feel invited to participate. We value every idea, every opinion. Of course there is more to do. Please send your idea or opinion to me at office@starclass.org
I realize the format of this message is not warm a fuzzy and full of lovely words. It is more of a “to do” list. I am 100% committed to this class and that’s what is in my head right now as we close out 2024 and start 2025. I look forward to working with all of you to make 2025 better than 2024.
Let do this!
Paul Cayard
ad Interim President, ISCYRA
|
|
PAUL CAYARD & PEDRO TROUCHE
2024 SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONS
PAUL CAYARD AND PEDRO TROUCHE CLAIMED THE 2024 STAR SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Three days of outstanding conditions and exceptional organization by Club Náutico Olivos showcased the best of Star Class sailing in Buenos Aires.
The 2024 Star South American Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at Club Náutico Olivos, as Paul Cayard (USA) and Pedro Trouche (BRA) claimed the title after three days of thrilling and tightly contested racing. Their skills and consistency throughout the regatta saw them crowned well-deserved champions, closing the season on a high note, with two continental championships title for Star Class President Paul Cayard – his 12th Silver Star with 10 different crew in the Star Class career, exactly 40 years from the first one.
Taking second place were Lucas and Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG), who delivered strong and consistent performances in their home waters. Fabian Mac Gowan and Nicolas Rosas (ARG) rounded out the podium in third, capping off a fantastic championship.
Exemplary Racing Conditions and Tight Competition
Throughout the championship, sailors were treated to steady and reliable conditions—16-20 knots of wind from a consistent direction, accompanied by a steady current. These factors created the perfect arena for tactical and tightly contested racing that kept both competitors and spectators on edge.
Club Náutico Olivos delivered yet another seamless and memorable event, showcasing not only its expertise in race management but also the warm hospitality and passion for sailing that have become hallmarks of the Argentinian Star Class. This year's event further underscored the fleet’s dedication to growing the class, nurturing young talent, and building on Argentina’s deep Star sailing traditions.
A Showcase of International Competition
The 2024 Star South American Championship also celebrated the international spirit of the Star Class, with competitors from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, and the USA joining a strong contingent of Argentine sailors. Among the standout international teams were Dani Fritz (GER), a promising Under 30 sailor, and Giovanni Coppo (ITA) with his crew Frithjof Kleen (GER). Coppo and Kleen showcased strong upwind performances, frequently rounding the top mark in the top three. However, they faced challenges downwind with their new boat, offering valuable lessons as they prepare for future events.
Star Class Thriving in Buenos Aires
The event highlighted the vitality and resilience of the Star Class, with the Argentinian fleet leading the way in fostering growth and participation. Seasoned champions like Paul Cayard raced alongside up-and-coming talents, demonstrating the depth and diversity of the fleet.
“We wrapped up the 2024 Star South American Championship here at Club Náutico Olivos,” commented Paul Cayard, President of the International Star Class and newly crowned South American Champion. “Buenos Aires is a challenging, windy venue, and it took everything to beat the Altolaguirre brothers, who are a very strong local team. Pedro is a phenomenal young crew, and I’m grateful to have had him alongside me. The Argentinian fleet is thriving, with over 30 boats and many young sailors. They’re lucky to have a mentor like Alberto Zanetti, who’s been instrumental in building new boats and growing the fleet. Star sailing is alive and well in Buenos Aires, and the entire Class can take pride in the quality of competition we’ve seen here.”
Final Podium Results:
- Paul Cayard (USA) / Pedro Trouche (BRA)
- Lucas Altolaguirre / Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG)
- Fabian Mac Gowan / Nicolas Rosas (ARG)
|
|
|
2025 Dues
new fees, more support
|
|
|
What does the class association do with your membership dues?
A Central ISCYRA office with staff who work hard, every day, to manage the activities of the Class:
- Schedule Star events to the high standards of the Class using the MOU with host Clubs around the World.
- Accounting and file tax returns required of a USA not for profit organization.
- Interface with World Sailing on various levels,
- Run Voting system: Resolutions by fleet, officers nominations
- Issues hull numbers & tracks Measurement Certificates,
- Publish a quarterly newsletter E-Starlights
- Publish the annual Star Log: a vast archive of Star Class history including class rules, past results, trophy winners, history of the Star and Championship sites.
- Maintaining the Star Class website www.starclass.org which includes calendar of regattas, database for hull & member look-up.
- Manage Class Royalties for sails and hulls
- Provides for a Regatta Maanger who oversees NOR’s, SI’s and works with host Clubs on execution of our Championships
- Provides a Technical Committee (TAB) ensures that boats are in compliance with Class measurement rules and analyses potential rule changes
- Provides PR, Media and communication on various channels-Collect and distribute media products through various channels
- Produce an annual meeting each year during the World Championship open to all members.
- Produce a mid year meeting during Bacardi for the IGC and CMC.
- Timely information: pick up the phone, or send an email, and a knowledgeable person will answer you right away.
What are some of the benefits of belonging to a strong class association?
- Boats to race against, near you and around the world
- Competitive racing attracts the world's best sailors
- Major events scheduled at sailing venues around the World brining competitive racing to everyone
- Solid class rules insuring competitiveness of all boats and fair play at Championships
- A market keeping the resale value of your boat high.
- Inspires younger sailors and takes actions that increase membership and ensure the future.
- A Strong class association is a Global fraternity-spanning decades and generations of families.
The Star Class is what it is today because of 114 years of support from its members.
Today, it is our turn to be responsible for the greatest class in the sport of Sailing.
|
|
The Class Management Committee (CMC) has had several meetings reviewing the 2024 actual financials and preparing the 2025 budget for the next year. In an effort to maintain the level of the Star Class in the world sailing arena, dues will increase. The chart below shows the new fees:
| ACTIVE |
Boat owner |
|
|
ASSOCIATE |
Non owner, crew |
|
| Junior |
>20 yrs < 30 yrs |
$75 |
|
Youth |
< 20 yrs |
$25 |
| Senior |
>= 30 yrs < 50 yrs |
$150 |
|
Junior |
>20 yrs < 30 yrs |
$25 |
| Master |
>= 50 yrs < 60 yrs |
$150 |
|
Senior |
>= 30 yrs < 50 yrs |
$75 |
| Grand Master |
>= 60 yrs < 70 yrs |
$150 |
|
Master |
>= 50 yrs < 60 yrs |
$75 |
| Exalted Grand Master |
>= 70 yrs |
$150 |
|
Grand Master |
>= 60 yrs < 70 yrs |
$75 |
| |
|
|
|
Exalted Grand Master |
>= 70 yrs |
$75 |
|
|
|
|
2024 Election Results
Commodore - Christoph Gautschi
Resolution #10-2024 Specifications 11.1
11.1 Jibstay – Shall be of steel or stainless steel or a synthetic man-made fibre based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW) or high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) not less than 2.29 mm diameter.
in effect 1/1/2025
|
|
|
U30 News from the South!
This year's South American championship, organized by the Club Nautico Olivos, the home of the Star class in Argentina, this silver event could not have gone better, fun after races, optimal sailing conditions, and a great turnout, to put it in numbers, 90% of the boats in the country were out on the water.
But something worth highlighting is the presence of 5 U30 teams, each one with something to highlight! Argentina provided three local teams;
Valentin Queirel and Julian Gazari jr (both 2nd generation Star sailors)
Facundo MacGowan (son of a Star sailor) and Eugenio Cingolani who, while a little over 30 years old, added his experience
Martin Ferrero and Tomas Fioriti who were the most consistent and won the category.
We must also highlight the participation of 2 teams that have made a great effort, since they traveled from afar to participate in this event. From Germany, Daniel Fritz and Michael Schultz, and from the Netherlands, Jord Poelen and his father Guus Poelen.
District 18 is very happy to have been able to help these U30 teams participate through the discount on the entry fee, organizing a competitive boat, and other assistance; we understand that it is the best way to enrich this class.
Apart from the help to participate in the South Americans, we also promoted inviting young people from the club who are sailing in other categories so that they begin to familiarize themselves with the boat, such is the case of some young people from Laser who already have one foot in the class, either navigating on a team, or helping in the organization, thus generating the sense of belonging that characterizes this great class.
Martin Pedro Ferrero
|
|
|
ISCYRA and G&B Ropes
G&B Ropes is joining ranks of the Star Class to support the Class through the G&B Ropes Regatta Manager, which assists in the presence of the Star Class Regatta Manager at our major Gold & Silver events.
Recognizing the importance of reliability and consistency, much like their various brands of rope, this partnership will keep the Star Class racing strong. Tim Ray, the President of G&B Ropes, commented, "We believe a successful regatta is based on strength, durability, and the right partnership. As a proud sponsor of the Star Class, we're excited to support the spirit of competition and innovation that drives Star sailors to push the limits of performance. G&B Ropes is committed to support the excellence that the Star Class represents."
Thank you G&B Ropes for your support!
|
|
|
Contact Quantum Sails for the latest tuning and tweaks that made sailors go faster at the bumpy San Diego World Championship. We’re proud to support you and proud to be your sailmaker.
George Szabo | gszabo@quantumsails.com | +1-619-226-2422
Vittorio d'Albertas | vdalbertas@quantumsails.com
Alexandre Paradeda | alexandre@quantumsails.com
|
|
|
Star Class Winter Clinic
February 4, 2025
Coral Reef Yacht Club/ US Sailing Center
Join Star World Champion Frithjof Kleen and SEA as he helps raise the level of Star sailing through on-the-water coaching and video leading up to the Walker Cup and Midwinters
Schedule of events
9:00am Morning Briefing
On-the-water warm-up
Fleet racing
On-the-water coaching by Frida with video
After racing video debrief session
Contact: Frithjofkleen@yahoo.de
WhatsApp: +49 163 3009693
|
|
| Dec 7-8 |
Commodore's Cup |
|
| Jan 17-19 |
Levin Cup |
|
| Jan 18-19 |
Schoonmaker Cup |
|
| Feb 1-2 |
Zagarino Masters |
|
| Feb 6-7 |
Walker Cup |
|
| Feb 8-9 |
Midwinters |
|
|
|
|
SEA Program Update
This fall the SEA Program has been busy getting ready for the upcoming winter series. Boats were brought back to Arthur’s Shop and have been worked on in preparation for the season to come. John MacCausland has put in countless hard hours into maintaining these boats for us all to use. We cannot say thank you enough to John for maintaining the now 7 boat fleet! The Program would also like to thank Lothar Geilen for his generosity in donating his boat 8396.
Looking ahead, there are still some boats available for use for the Levin/Schoonmaker, Masters and Midwinters. If you are interested in using a boat please see the SEA tab on the class website.
Bacardi and the SEA Program have once again partnered up to support U30 teams at the 2025 Bacardi Cup! With generosity from Star Class members and the SEA fleet of boats we are once again aiming to provide boats for 10 U30 teams to compete in the event. If you have a boat that you are willing to loan or charter to the SEA Program for this initiative, please send Danny Cayard an email.
Boats are also available to be used at the upcoming North American Championship in Pass Christian, Mississippi. If you are interested in using a boat, the SEA Program will work with you on transportation costs. Please apply through the program page.
Looking forward to seeing you all in Miami after the New Year!
Hope to see you on the water soon,
The SEA Committee
Jack VanderMolen
Bobby Lippincott
Kilian Weise
Pedro Trouche
Elizabeth Escalera
Danny Cayard
|
|
Order your SEA shirt today - show your support for the SEA program!
link below
|
|
|
2025 Major Regatta Calendar
watch the Star Class website for updates.
| 2025 |
World Championship |
Gold |
Sept 8-14 |
Split, CRO |
| 2025 |
Western Hemisphere |
Silver |
June 8-13 |
Gibson Island, MD |
| 2025 |
Eastern Hemisphere |
Silver |
|
not to be held |
| 2025 |
European Championship |
Silver |
June 11-15 |
Viareggio, ITA |
| 2025 |
North American |
Silver |
April 8-12 |
Pass Christian, Mississippi |
| 2025 |
South American |
Silver |
|
Ilhabela, Brazil |
|
|
What’s New in the New Racing Rules for 2025-2028
The Star SEA Program is sponsoring 2 90-minute sessions
Save the Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Reserve your spot at one of the sessions below:
SESSION 1: Register here
| Helsinki |
Paris |
So America |
New York |
Los Angeles |
| 8pm |
7pm |
3pm |
1pm |
10am |
SESSION 2: Register here
| Helsinki |
Paris |
So America |
New York |
Los Angeles |
| 4am |
3am |
11pm |
9pm |
6pm |
Dave will explain all the significant changes in the 2025-2028 Racing Rules of Sailing that go into effect on January 1, 2025. Dave welcomes questions from the audience throughout the presentation.
Dave’s brief bio:
US Collegiate National Champion and All-American at Yale
Silver Star winner (as crew)
Five-time US National Match Racing Champion
National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee
Chair of the US Sailing Appeals Committee
National Judge
Rules Advisor to several America’s Cup and Olympic Games teams
Author of three books on the rules and racing in general
Dave’s three books:
* Dave’s three books on the sport: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2028, Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes, and Winning in One-Designs are available in print and digital formats from US Sailing. Go to https://shop.ussailing.org/racing/
|
|
DOYLE SAILS
By sailors. For sailors. Handcrafted in Salem, MA by world champion sailors.
|
|
|
|
Star Legacy Foundation
Greetings to all Star sailors, and Happy holidays to everyone!
I would like to report on behalf of the Legacy Board that December will close the eighth year since the Foundation was established. During those years the support from all the Legacy donors has been stellar….. we have been able to support the class on various issues, and in 2019 held the 1st Youth Star World championship. In addition the Foundation has supported several youth events, and will do so in the future. The Legacy goal is just that, a Foundation that can create a lasting endowment for decades to come. It is not a quick fix organization, however it has and will step up in times of need. As of this date we are only 25-50 % towards our goal. That is 25% in cash, and 25% in estate commitments… we have a long way to go, but we remain focused on attaining our goals over the next five years. With that in mind we encourage Star families to help achieve our financial destination… we are so lucky to have a core group of founders who have stepped up and helped, and some have been annual donors, which is a huge part of the Foundation’s success.
Please don’t hesitate to contact any Board member on your thoughts for helping out. We need everyone! On a personal note, 2025 will be my 60th year sailing a STAR, and being a member of the greatest class on the planet!! The class has altered my life in a positive way (not in the wallet) from sailing this beautiful boat to lifetime friendships all over the globe…. I would bet many of you feel the same…. Here’s to hitting all the correct shifts in 2025!!
Legacy Foundation Board
Frida, Mike, Don, Whip and Alberto
Created by Star sailors, The Legacy Foundation has created an endowment and scholarships to help support the Star Class' continued growth. The Legacy Foundation helped with the first U30 Worlds and the commemorative 100th Anniversary of the Star World Championship book. The Legacy Foundation has made it easy for you to donate: 1) to the general fund or, 2) memorial donations. See donation buttons below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
