Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
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President's Message
Congratulations to Jack Jennings and Pedro Trouche for winning the spring Silver Star on Gull Lake and to Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer for winning the Silver Star on Lake Balaton. Both events were well attended and presented interesting and challenging conditions. I am happy to see these events travel to renew interest in various countries.
The European Championship will be held in Medemblick, Holland August 24-29 and surely is one not to be missed. The North American Championship will follow in Tampa, Florida October 24-29 just preceding the World Championship in Miami.
I want to thank SLAM for coming on board to create a line of Star Class clothing. This will add yet another element of class to the greatest Class in the sport of Sailing. While SLAM is happy to work with and support any Organizing Authority hosting a Star Class event, nothing in our agreement prevents OA’s from choosing their sponsors, including clothing sponsors.
I also want to thank our suppliers who have generously donated their products to create the first Star Class raffle; Doyle Sailmakers, Vakaros, Sandiline, SLAM and Icom. The drawing for the winners will be held at the AGM in Miami, in November just prior to the World Championship.
I hope you are all enjoying the long days of the northern hemisphere summer and the many regattas that our class has to offer.
As always, it is my honor and privilege to serve as your President.
Paul Cayard
President, ISCYRA
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WESTERN HEMISPHERE CHAMPIONSHIP: JENNINGS AND TROUCHE PREVAIL ON GULL LAKE
The 2026 Star Western Hemisphere Championship brought the North American fleet to Gull Lake Yacht Club, Michigan, where 26 teams competed over three days in a regatta that showcased the full range of Star Class racing. From light and tactical opening conditions to spectacular breeze and a rainy finale, the championship tested versatility, consistency and teamwork.
The opening day featured three races sailed in light and shifting winds, with Jack Jennings and Pedro Trouche immediately establishing themselves as the team to beat. Their scoreline of 3-1-1 gave them an early advantage over a fleet that included former World Champions, Olympians and some of the most experienced Star sailors in North America.
Day two delivered the championship's defining conditions. Winds built steadily to 12–15 knots with gusts approaching 25 knots, creating fast and physically demanding racing on Gull Lake's relatively flat waters. The stronger breeze reshuffled positions throughout the fleet, but Jennings and Trouche maintained their consistency to extend their overall lead. Behind them, former Star World Champions George Szabo and Guy Avellon mounted a strong challenge, while Arthur Anosov and Dave Caesar remained firmly in podium contention.
The final day arrived under grey skies and persistent rain showers. Only one race could be completed, but the championship had effectively been decided by the consistency Jennings and Trouche had demonstrated throughout the week. Their victory secured the 2026 Western Hemisphere Championship title, a fitting reward for a team that rarely put a foot wrong during the six-race series.
Szabo and Avellon finished second overall, while Anosov and Caesar completed the podium in third. The top ten also featured several familiar names in Star Class competition, underlining the depth and strength of the North American fleet.
Hosted by Gull Lake Yacht Club, one of the Midwest's most respected sailing venues, the championship combined excellent race management, competitive racing and the camaraderie that continues to define the Star Class. The event served as another reminder that, whether sailed on oceans, bays or inland lakes, the Star remains one of the most demanding and rewarding boats in competitive sailing.
Final Podium
- Jack Jennings / Pedro Trouche
- George Szabo / Guy Avellon
- Arthur Anosov / Dave Caesar
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SLAM JOINS THE STAR CLASS FAMILY
The International Star Class is pleased to welcome SLAM as a new Class partner.
One of Italy's most recognized sailing apparel brands, SLAM has a long-standing connection to competitive sailing and shares many of the values that have defined the Star Class for more than a century: excellence, seamanship, sportsmanship and a passion for the sea.
As part of the partnership, SLAM will develop a dedicated International Star Class collection, available exclusively to Star Class members. The collection is designed to strengthen the sense of belonging that makes the Star community unique, both on and off the racecourse. In addition, active Star Class members will receive a dedicated discount code that can be used on the SLAM website to purchase items from the Star Class collection as well as selected products from the broader SLAM range.
“We are proud to welcome SLAM to the Star Class,” said ISCYRA President and reigning Star World Champion Paul Cayard. “The Star Class has always represented the highest level of competitive sailing while creating a great sense of camaraderie among sailors. SLAM understands the heritage, values and spirit that make this community special.”
SLAM President and Star World Champion Enrico Chieffi added: “The Star Class has shaped generations of great sailors and continues to represent values we deeply identify with: competence, passion, sporting culture, respect for the sea and respect for competitors. We look forward to designing and producing a line of clothing worthy of this iconic class.”
The partnership reflects the Star Class motto, ‘Honoring the Past, Leading the Future,’ bringing together two organizations committed to preserving sailing's traditions while continuing to invest in its future.
Further details on the Star Class collection, the member discount program, and instructions on how to obtain and use the discount code will be communicated to members in the coming weeks.
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EASTERN HEMISPHERE CHAMPIONSHIP: SPITZAUER AND NEHAMMER MASTER LAKE BALATON
The 2026 Star Eastern Hemisphere Championship brought 28 teams from 11 nations to Hungary's Lake Balaton as part of the KÉSZ Group Balaton Star Sailing Week. Over four days, competitors experienced the full range of conditions for which Central Europe's largest lake is famous, from thunderstorms and gusts exceeding 30 knots to tactical light-air racing and a spectacular sunny finale.
The championship opened dramatically, with storm warnings delaying racing before a single race was completed in strong northwesterly winds. The following days delivered classic lake sailing, with shifting breezes rewarding local knowledge, tactical awareness, and precise boat handling. A second cold front swept through on Friday, forcing the abandonment of racing as gusts again exceeded 30 knots, setting the stage for a decisive final day.
Throughout the regatta, Austria's Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer demonstrated exceptional consistency. The experienced duo won three races and finished on the podium in every race that counted toward their score, securing the title before the final race was sailed. Their victory completed a remarkable double, having already captured the District 17 Championship earlier in the week.
Germany's Daniel Fritz and Jan Eli Gravad finished second overall after a strong and consistent series, while Hubert Merkelbach and Markus Koy claimed third place, highlighted by a race victory on the second day of competition. Just off the podium were Canada's Ross MacDonald and George Iverson, who remained firmly in contention throughout the week.
For Spitzauer, a Finn World Champion and former Olympic Star sailor, the victory was rooted in decades of experience sailing on European lakes. “You have to read the wind, constantly take advantage of the shifts, and avoid taking unnecessary risks on either side of the course,” he explained after the championship. “If there is a secret, that's probably it.”
The Eastern Hemisphere Championship once again confirmed Lake Balaton's reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding venues on the Star Class calendar, providing a worthy stage for one of the Class's most prestigious continental titles.
Final Podium
- Hans Spitzauer / Christian Nehammer (AUT)
- Daniel Fritz / Jan Eli Gravad (GER)
- Hubert Merkelbach / Markus Koy (GER)
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SPOTLIGHT ON FLEETS - Social Media Format
We’re really happy that your fleet wants to take part in Spotlight on Fleets!
To prepare your feature, we’d need a few things from you:
1 - Click on the button down here, and fill in the Google Form
2 - A short introduction about your fleet — where you’re based, when it was founded, how many active sailors you have, etc.
3 - A few curiosities or key moments that make your fleet unique (memorable regattas, local traditions, special events…).
4 - Your goals or vision for the future of your fleet.
5 - Some photos (high quality if possible): group shots, sailing moments, or anything that represents your community.
6 - Optional: Quotes or short statements from members or the fleet captain — what the Star Class means to you.
Once we have everything, we’ll create the post and share the draft with you before publishing it on our channels.
Star Class Communication Team
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2026 for 2027 RESOLUTIONS
Star Fleet Officers
The deadline for submitting a Resolution for an ISCYRA rule change is due in the Central Office by 9 July 2026. Resolutions submitted on time will be dispersed to the Class Management Committee, the Judiciary Board and the Technical Advisory Board within 5 days of the deadline.
If you have a good idea for a rule change, please get with your fleet member and get a resolution together for presentation to your fleet. Once your fleet has agreed to go forward the fleet officer should submit the form with a statement of the Fleet meeting where your Resolutions were discussed including Fleet members in attendance.
We look forward to input from you and your Fleet on moving our Class forward!
The 2026 for 2027 Resolutions will be presented to the Fleets at the 2026 Annual Membership meeting on 6 November 2026 at the World Championship in Miami.
The Resolution form is attached here and also posted on the Star Class website.
Best regards,
Mike Hecky
Executive Director
Important Dates
Annual Meeting: November 6
120 days prior (due): July 9
45 days (posting): September 22
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Bacardi Announces 100th Edition of the Bacardi Cup
2027 Bacardi Series Dates Released
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The countdown has begun for the banner year ahead.
In 2027, Bacardi celebrates the 100th edition of the Bacardi Cup, the longest-running partnership in the history of sailing. What began in 1927 as a 13-boat regatta in Havana, Cuba has grown into one of the sport's most revered institutions. Since 1962, Biscayne Bay has been its home. The world's best Star sailors come to Bacardi to measure themselves. That tradition continues; and next year, it reaches its centennial.
→ 100th Bacardi Cup | March 7-13, 2027
Registration and information: bacardiinvitational.com
Registration for Bacardi Cup opens June 15, 2026
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- Open to active members of the Star Class - (2026 dues paid by May 31, 2026)
- Drawing will be made & prizes awarded at the Annual Meeting in Miami, November 2026. Not necessary to be present to win.
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- 1 suit of Doyle Sails (not eligible: top 20 from 2025 Worlds, top 3 in any Silver event 2025)
- 1 Vakaros Atlas II
- Sandiline hiking gear - for skipper & crew
- Star Class branded duffle bag & clothing by SLAM
- Icom Radio IC-M73
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 Why you should support ISCYRA
The Star Class management is responsible for honoring the past, managing the now, and guiding the future of the greatest one design in Sailing. Below are just some of the benefits of having a Class association.
Honoring the past
- The Star Class office has refurbished all our perpetual trophies, upgraded their shipping crates, recruited a sponsor to pay for their travel, and manages the logistics around keeping these important symbols of our history present for all to know and appreciate.
- The Star Class office maintains archives related to all 8600 boats built….their certificates, their ownership and their status.
- The Star Class maintains the history and results of all our events, from World Championships down to local fleets.
- The Star Class produces “The LOG” annually for all members to enjoy. The “LOG” is an important instrument to record our history, year in and year out.
- The Star Class works with the Legacy Foundation to recruit gifts that can be used to support the class
- The Star Class honors those who make outstanding contributions to the Class by awarding the Harry Gale Nye Trophy each year.
Managing the now
- The Star Class works to promote camaraderie and fraternity amongst its members who are racing is just one element of a well-rounded Class experience.
- The Star Class vets all bids for Gold and Silver Star events, develops contractual agreements with selected hosts as to how the events will be conducted, to ensure a level of event known as “Star Standard”.
- The Star Class works with Organizing Authorities to secure sponsorships for their Gold and Silver events.
- The Star Class verifies all entries for sanctioned events; that dues are paid, entry fees are paid, and boats have valid measurement certificates.
- The Star Class hosts town halls to connect members between annual meetings or regattas.
- The Star Class pays for marketing the Class through social media platforms
- The Star Class pays for photography and videography to collect material used to promote the Class
- The Star Class offers “Borrowed Boat Insurance” for those who charter or borrow a boat for events held in the United States.
- The Star Class produces the e-Starlights, a quarterly communication to all members
- The Star Class manages its relationship with World Sailing to allow for the use of its Racing Rules (RRS) throughout all events of the Class as well as to maintain our international Class status and the right to conduct and award a “World Championship” in the sport of Sailing.
- The Star Class Judiciary Board reviews and proposes resolutions to amend Class rules as appropriate
- The Star Class Technical Advisory Board reviews technical questions and equipment and makes decisions for the betterment of the class. (3Di sails, RaceSense…)
- The Star Class manages and invests its balance sheet to generate income on behalf of the members so as to limit the amount dues need to be increased to support all of its activities
- The Star Class creates consistency in the execution of its events by developing and maintaining a list of international jurors and race officers that it can call on to run its championships.
- The Star Class employs the services of professional accountants who maintain a ledger of accounts for the Class Management Committee to review at any time and file the Class tax return each year to maintain The Star Class’s tax-exempt status which saves thousands of $’s each year.
- The Star Class maintains a website at www.starclass.org. The website contains and archives all the relevant material on the Star Class such as current news, class rules, calendar, upcoming championships with their NOR’s and much more.
- The Star Class collects royalties from sailmakers and boat builders on behalf of its members.
- The Star Class G&B Ropes Regatta Manager maintains up to date templates for Sailing Instructions and Notices of Race so that Star events respect the Star Class and World Sailing Rules and have a uniformity that produces a consistent regatta format. The manger also works with OA’s when executing their individual events.
- The Star Class Chief Measurer manages a group of measures who are responsible for ensuring that all boats comply with Class rules which ensures fair competition. This includes in person visits to sail, mast and hull manufacturers.
- The Star Class International Governing Committee has representation from all continents and many countries, such that the interest of the entire Class is considered when any large decisions are taken
Leading the Future
- The Star Class provides clinics, round tables and podcasts to openly share information amongst its members
- The Star Class leadership mentors the next generation on the qualities and principals that have guided the Star Class for over 100 years and are the reason the Class is the greatest in sailing.
- The Star Class helps sailors join the Class by providing boats and mentorship, SEA, Nixdorf, and Future Stars.
- The Star Class integrates “new blood” into the IGC and CMC to create a pool of qualified leaders for the future.
- The Star Class Marketing Committee works to keep the Class image strong and attractive as the media world evolves through new technology and platforms.
Summary
The Star Class delivers all the above thanks to passionate volunteers, a very lean Class office, and a few well managed outside contractors. The Star Class is the greatest class in the sport of sailing because of this great organization and the support of its members for over 100 years. Today, we enjoy the benefits of the work of those who came before us, and we are now responsible to fuel this great class. join or renew your membership TODAY!
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GLOBAL VENUES, ICONIC EVENTS: THE INTERNATIONAL STAR CLASS 2026 RACING SEASON
The International Star Class is ready for the 2026 racing season with a calendar that blends tradition, elite competition, and global reach, anchored by some of the most historic and prestigious events in sailing.
The 2026 Star European Championship will take place in The Netherlands, at the Regatta Center Medemblik, from 24 to 29 August, one of Europe’s premier sailing venues, with a long-standing reputation for delivering world-class regattas at the highest level. Its track record includes major Olympic-class championships and numerous World Sailing–sanctioned competitions, underlining its consistency and excellence in elite event hosting.
EVENT PAGE
The season will conclude back in America, with Florida once again at the center of the Star Class spotlight. The North American Championship will be held at Davis Island Yacht Club, October 24–29, 2026, serving as the final major tune-up before the pinnacle event of the year.
EVENT PAGE
The Star World Championship, the epic Gold Star event of the season, will return to Miami from November 5–14, 2026. Reigning World Champions Paul Cayard (USA) and Frithjof Kleen (GER) will be back to defend their 2025 title, as the world’s best Star sailors converge for six days of elite racing on a spectacular racecourse. The championship follows the traditional Star format, testing crews through long legs of up to two miles, with races averaging around two hours, demanding the highest levels of strategy, endurance, and strength.
EVENT PAGE
As it often happens, the final event of the year is the South American Championship. This year it will take place in Argentina, at YCA Darsena Norte (Yacht Club Argentino), in Buenos Aires, from December 4 to the 8th. Tricky conditions sailing in the Rio, will be a nice challenge for all competitors.
With iconic venues, historic regattas, and a calendar spanning two hemispheres, the 2026 International Star Class season promises world-class competition while continuing a legacy that has defined excellence in sailing for over a century. At the same time, true to the Class motto “Honoring the past, leading the future”, special arrangements for the U30 categories will be implemented throughout the season, reinforcing the Star Class commitment to supporting young sailors and guiding the next generation into one of sailing’s most demanding and prestigious classes.
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The SEA program is happy to announce that we have 5 boats available for use during the 2026 Worlds in Miami this November. We will continue to see if we can source other charters to support others. If interested in using one of our boats please see the following requirements and notes:
- Teams must have registration completed on Star worlds entry form & also apply through SEA Program Application
- Selection will largely be based on your team’s resumes provided in your application to the SEA Program form
- We will review applications and reply in regards to acceptance status starting April 13th, 2026
- Upon acceptance, we will send an email and teams will need to respond and pay their registration within 7 days to keep their spot. Otherwise we will go to the next team on the list.
- You will be expected to bring your own sails and compass or rent a compass from the OA during the event
- We are looking to support teams from all over the world
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Pro Yachting - Star Storage Prices
Indoor - $375 boat/month. All inclusive - $2175
Outdoor covered - $250 boat/month. All inclusive - $1550
Outdoor uncovered - $150 boat/month. All incluside - $1050
All inclusive price (Storage from Worlds - Bacardi, transportation included)
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The Class Management Committee (CMC) set membership fees as shown below:
| ACTIVE |
Boat owner |
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ASSOCIATE |
Non owner, crew |
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| Junior |
>20 yrs < 30 yrs |
$75 |
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Youth |
< 20 yrs |
$25 |
| Senior |
>= 30 yrs < 50 yrs |
$150 |
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Junior |
>20 yrs < 30 yrs |
$25 |
| Master |
>= 50 yrs < 60 yrs |
$150 |
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Senior |
>= 30 yrs < 50 yrs |
$75 |
| Grand Master |
>= 60 yrs < 70 yrs |
$150 |
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Master |
>= 50 yrs < 60 yrs |
$75 |
| Exalted Grand Master |
>= 70 yrs |
$150 |
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Grand Master |
>= 60 yrs < 70 yrs |
$75 |
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Exalted Grand Master |
>= 70 yrs |
$75 |
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SEA Program News
Happy summer to all,
In South Florida, we are now up to 8 boats in the fleet and are hard at work starting our process to re-rig and spruce up the fleet for the Worlds and following 2026-2027 Winter Series in Miami. Nic Pro and Brandon DePalma have been diligently going through each boat and continue to improve the fleet.
We have also partnered with the Heinz Nixdorf Foundation (HNV) to help them with some of their Crew Clinics this summer. This is a great initiative that HNV started last year with a skipper focus rotation of events. Now, to address the need for more crews in the class, they are hosting a series of clinics around central Europe. For more information on these clinics please contact Arnd Glund (aglunde@gmail.com).
It has also been great to see the effects of having a program like this in the class. Word has been spreading about boats, and resources leading to access and accelerated learning. At the Etchells Worlds, I had the opportunity to talk with many sailors who are interested in the class and want to get involved through the Program. Specifically we have some as young as 15 years old, all the way up to 50+ looking to get into the Star. We strongly believe that cross class participation and spreading the word of the program is a great way to get new members involved. If you know of anyone who may be interested in the class from other classes and boats, don’t hesitate to talk to them about the program and what it has to offer. Please refer them to the SEA tab on the Class website for anyone who wants to get in contact.
Hope everyone enjoys their Star sailing in the coming months hopefully preparing for the Worlds in the Fall.
Best regards,
SEA Committee
Jack VanderMolen
Bobby Lippincott
Kilian Weise
Pedro Trouche
Elizabeth Escalera
Danny Cayard
Nic Pro
Brandon DePalma
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ISCYRA and G&B Ropes
G&B Ropes has joined 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!
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Update from the ISCYRA Legacy Foundation
The Legacy Foundation has experienced a number of transitions this year. The Board has experienced a complete turnover, the current members of the Board are listed at the end of this update. The Board has endorsed a new Investment Policy Statement (IPS) which will soon be posted onto the class website. The Board has also determined that the custodial capabilities of Charles Schwab are better aligned to its needs than what Merrill Lynch had offered and in June we have made the switch to Schwab.
A re-cap of the current Legacy Foundation account activity is summarized to be:
2025: The Foundation began the year at $422,797, earned $45,905 in investment returns (+10.6%) and received $21,180 in net contributions, ending at $489,882.
2026 (through June 11): The Foundation began at $489,882, earned approximately $36,125 in investment returns (+7.4%) and received ~$98 in contributions, for a current balance of $526,105.
The Legacy Foundation has given a grant to the Star Class to cover the social media contract for the 2025-2026 year, with great results.
If you’d like to contribute to the Legacy Foundation, please contact the Star Class office.
ISCYRA Legacy Foundation Board Members and Advisors
Don Parfet & Mike Hecky, co-Board Chairman
Fritjhof Kleen, Board Secretary
Don Parfet, Board Treasurer
Austin Sperry, Trustee
Tonko Barac, Trustee
Juan Pablo Percossi, Advisory Board Member
Fabio Prada, Advisory Board Member
Mission Statement ISCYRA Legacy Foundation:
The Star Legacy Foundation's mission is to ensure the enduring legacy of Star Class sailboat racing by providing a dedicated channel for contributions that will fuel the class's long-term growth, global influence, and continued promotion and development for generations to come.
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