Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
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President's Message
The Northern Hemisphere summer has come to an end, and we have some great fall
sailing coming up along with Southern Hemisphere Spring regattas. The European
Championship in Medemblik was a first-class Star event. Great organization, fun social
events and challenging sailing. Congratulations to Robert Scheidt and Austin Sperry for
winning the Silver Star and to all the competitors for taking the opportunity to “live” in the
best sailing class in the sport.
I know there were tens of other regattas on lakes and the sea all over the world where
camaraderie and competition were enjoyed in equal doses. This sailing, although less in
the limelight, is the heart and soul of our Class and our strength. If you get the chance to
visit a fleet other than your own, you should do it. You will open a door to another world
of great people.
The Vintage Gold Cup held another successful event with congratulations to Jack Jennings & Arthur Lopes. Gull Lake and the vintage Star boats
are near and dear to me. I have missed the last few events but can’t wait to get back
onboard GEM, with Danny, and join the fun.
We are grateful to the hosts of the North American Championship in Tampa in late
October which will lead Stars into the World Championship at Coral Reef Yacht Club in
Miami in November. The South American Championship in Argentina will take place in
early December at Yacht Club Argentino. The Star World Championship is just over one
month away, and the fleet will be 100 boats once again. At the AGM on Saturday
November 7, we will draw from our membership to award 5 special gifts from some of
our most loyal suppliers: Doyle Sails, Vakaros, Sandiline, SLAM, and ICOM. It’s going to
be a very busy winter around Coconut Grove with the Worlds, the Winter Series and
then the 100th Bacardi Cup.
Through my own Star sailing and all that is reported to me, I am constantly remined of
how blessed we are to be Star sailors for life!
As always, it is my honor and privilege to serve as your President.
Paul Cayard
President, ISCYRA
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Star Class Annual General Meeting
Saturday, February 7, 1700 Miami time
ZOOM link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84462560357?pwd=QYJrxWyPMEEASeqHpyZL29Jpg1RneN.1
PW: Star 1911
2026 for 2027 RESOLUTIONS
2 Resolutions were received and will be voted on at the November 6 Annual General Meeting.
Part 2: 28.1 - Entry Forms: housekeeping
Part 2: 29.1 - Worlds Qualification
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SCHEIDT AND SPERRY MASTER A DRAMATIC MEDEMBLIK FINALE
The 2026 Star European Championship brought 76 teams from more than 20 nations to Medemblik, returning the international Star fleet to the IJsselmeer 25 years after the 2001 Star World Championship was held at the same venue.
Over the week, Medemblik delivered an impressive range of conditions. The championship opened with unusually warm and sunny weather and lighter easterly breezes before progressively stronger, more unstable offshore winds turned the racecourse into an increasingly demanding tactical challenge.
The battle at the top remained open throughout the series. Jørgen Schoenherr and Ed Wright (DEN/GBR) showed impressive consistency early in the championship, while Diego Negri and Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA), Max Kohlhoff and Ole Burzinski (GER) and Robert Scheidt and Austin Sperry (BRA/USA) all collected race wins. Meanwhile, the young German team of Nick Heuwinkel and Jesper Spehr emerged as one of the revelations of the week, taking the overall lead with just one point over Scheidt and Sperry going into the final day.
Saturday's finale provided the decisive test. Racing began an hour earlier than scheduled, with a shifty southwesterly breeze of around 13 knots, a choppy sea and rain fronts moving across the IJsselmeer. In Race 6, Negri and Lambertenghi led at every mark until the final run, when heavy rain and a major wind shift dramatically reshuffled the leading group. Scheidt and Sperry read the change perfectly, gybed early and charged through the fleet to take the win and secure the European title with one race still remaining.
With the championship already theirs, the Brazilian-American pair went out and did it again. As the skies cleared and the breeze increased to 16 knots with gusts approaching 20, Scheidt and Sperry rounded the first windward mark of Race 7 in front and led all the way to the finish, completing their championship with back-to-back victories.
Robert Scheidt and Austin Sperry were crowned 2026 Star European Champions with 18 points, ahead of U30 Nick Heuwinkel and Jesper Spehr on 24 points. The young Germans also claimed the U30 European title after an outstanding week. Diego Negri and Sergio Lambertenghi completed the podium in third with 33 points.
For Scheidt and Sperry, the victory was the culmination of a week in which their performance grew stronger race by race.
“We started the regatta a little bit up and down and not so good with our starts, but as the regatta went on, we improved,” said Scheidt. “The German team pushed us to the limit today. In the first race they were ahead of us going into the last run, but we made a good call to gybe early. The wind had shifted and suddenly we saw the finish in front of us. Austin did a great job all week, and we have a great team behind us. Now we just want to enjoy this moment.”
Beyond the close racing, Medemblik once again showcased one of the defining characteristics of the Star Class: generations of sailors competing together on the same racecourse. World and Olympic champions lined up alongside emerging young teams and passionate amateur sailors, while the daily gatherings ashore and the traditional championship dinner reinforced the camaraderie that has always been at the heart of the Class.
From the Netherlands, the international fleet now turns its attention across the Atlantic. The North American Championship at Davis Island Yacht Club is scheduled for October 24–29, followed by the 2026 Star World Championship at Coral Reef Yacht Club in Miami, November 5–14. For many teams, Miami will also become home for the winter as the Class looks ahead to another milestone: the 100th Bacardi Cup, March 7–13, 2027.
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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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SAMPLES OF AVAILABLE STAR SLAM MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE STAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MIAMI
To access this benefit, members must first register for the SLAM Pro Store by completing the registration form at the following link:
PRO STORE Registration: https://www.slam.com/pages/pro-store
Members are asked to carefully follow the registration instructions attached to this email. In particular, the following steps are essential:
- In the field "Athlete Name / Company or Organization Name / Sailing Team Name", they must enter exactly: STAR CLASS
- On the PRO STORE GENERAL INFO page, they should select Pro Type: SAILOR.
- Please complete the remaining fields with as much information as possible to help us provide the best service.
- SLAM will confirm membership with the Star Class Office before approving registration
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Once the registration has been approved, members will be able to access the SLAM Pro Store, where the entire collection will already display the 30% discounted prices.
Important: after registration, members should always log in using the username and password created during registration and access the Pro Store through the following dedicated link:
PRO STORE Login:
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SPITZAUER AND NEHAMMER CROWNED EASTERN HEMISPHERE CHAMPIONS AFTER DOMINATING BALATON STAR SAILING WEEK
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Two spectacular races in sunshine and a steady southwesterly breeze conclude the championship on Lake Balaton
Balatonföldvár, Hungary – June 6, 2026 – Austria's Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer completed a remarkable week at the KÉSZ Group Balaton Star Sailing Week, claiming the title of 2026 Star Eastern Hemisphere Champions after a dominant performance that also saw them win the District 17 Championship earlier in the week.
The final day delivered the classic southwesterly breeze for which Lake Balaton is famous. Under brilliant sunshine and in a steady 8–11 knot wind, gently oscillating by around 10 degrees, the fleet enjoyed two beautiful races to conclude the championship.
For Spitzauer and Nehammer, the title was effectively secured after winning the fifth race of the series. With a comfortable lead established, the Austrian team did not need to sail the sixth and final race. Their scoreline throughout the regatta was impressive: three race victories and podium finishes in all five races that counted toward their championship total.
The silver medal was claimed by Germany's Daniel Fritz and Jan Eli Gravad, whose consistency throughout the week kept them firmly in contention until the final day. Fritz and Gravad are also the best U30 team in the Championship. Fellow Germans Hubert Merkelbach and Markus Koy completed the podium in third place after a strong championship that included a race victory on Thursday.
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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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Yachtics Indoor Boat Storage, Miami
Staying in Florida after the Worlds? Fully enclosed indoor storage in Hialeah, 20 minutes from Coral Reef, with transport to and from the club for every regatta. Boats arriving before Christmas get 10% off through December 31. Book at www.yachtics.com/storage or call (786) 464-5819.
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JENNINGS AND LOPES CLAIM THE 2026 VINTAGE GOLD CUP
The 2026 Vintage Gold Cup once again celebrated the heritage and enduring appeal of the Star Class, bringing together beautifully maintained wooden Stars, legendary sailors and passionate competitors for three days of close racing and camaraderie.
After eight races in a wide range of conditions, Jack Jennings and Arthur Lopes emerged as the 2026 Vintage Gold Cup champions, securing the title with a race to spare.
The championship opened in light and challenging winds, with three different teams claiming victories on the first day: Ross MacDonald and George Iverson, Mark Reynolds and Rick Peters, and Ben Mitchell and Brian Terhaar. As the breeze built on the second day, the competition intensified. Jennings and Lopes took their first race win, while Peter Bromby and Myles Pritchard delivered an impressive performance with back-to-back victories, keeping the overall standings tight heading into the final day.
With just three points separating Jennings and Lopes from Mitchell and Terhaar, everything was still to play for. But Jennings and Lopes rose to the occasion, winning the penultimate race with excellent tactical decisions and consistent boat speed to secure the championship before the final race.
Ross MacDonald and George Iverson claimed the last race victory, bringing a fitting conclusion to an event that showcased both the competitive spirit and timeless beauty of the wooden Star fleet.
Ben Mitchell and Brian Terhaar finished second overall, with Jim Buckingham and Brad Nichol completing the podium. Ross MacDonald and George Iverson took fourth place, followed by Josh Powell and George Szabo in fifth.
More than just a championship, the Vintage Gold Cup is a celebration of the Star Class's history, craftsmanship and the friendships that have defined it for generations. The 2026 edition was another reminder that, even after more than a century, the Star continues to inspire the same passion for racing and the same sense of community that have made it one of sailing's most iconic classes.
MORE INFO - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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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
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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 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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SEA Program News
The Worlds are just around the corner and the SEA Program has been hard at work to get our fleet ready for the big event and the following winter series. Each boat has gone through a complete rework of the bottoms, and re rigging of the controls.
For the Worlds, we still have a boat available for charter if anyone needs one. Please apply through the form on the class website.
Over the summer we supported the Heinz Nixdorf program and their crew clinics that they put on. If you would like to be involved in any of their clinics in the future, please contact Arnd Glunde. They typically have a few clinics each summer in a few different locations across Germany to try and give access to those throughout the European region.
On the West Coast of the US, we are lucky to have Mark Strube sharing his knowledge before one of the local regattas in D5. Sharing thoughts on rig tunning, basic maneuvering, and things to look for across everything from sail shape, sheeting, and boat handling. This is a generous offer from someone who has spent a lot of time sailing the Star and getting the locals up that learning curve.
After the worlds, we look forward to rolling right into the winter series in Miami, supporting other efforts around the world and gearing up for an amazing 100th Bacardi.
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the Worlds this November and thank you for everyone’s support.
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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