2026 Star World Championship
November 5-14, 2026
Miami, FL, USA

PAUL CAYARD AND FRITHJOF KLEEN CROWNED 2025 STAR WORLD CHAMPIONS IN A FINAL-RACE THRILLER

Victory comes down to the last downwind as four teams battle for glory in Split

Split, Croatia – September 13, 2025 – After six fiercely contested races across the waters of the Split Channel, Paul Cayard (USA) and Frithjof Kleen (GER) have been crowned 2025 Star World Champions, sealing the title on the very last race of the championship in one of the most thrilling finishes in recent years.

The final day dawned with anticipation, clear skies, and a classic Croatian sea breeze. By 2.20pm, the Race Committee had the 101-boat fleet under way in a steady 8–10 knots from 260°, setting the stage for a showdown between the top four teams, with the added pressure of the young U30 Germans Nick Heuwinkel and Jesper Spehr also in the mix.

ALL EYES ON THE FINAL SHOWDOWN IN SPLIT: FOUR TEAMS CLOSED AT THE TOP FOR THE STAR WORLD TITLE

Negri and Lambertenghi take Race 5 win to stay in the hunt ahead of the decisive last day

Split, Croatia – September 12, 2025 – With only one race remaining in the 2025 Star World Championship, the fleet of 101 boats took to the water today for the penultimate showdown in Split, battling through shifting breeze and intense tactical decisions that reshuffled the leaderboard ahead of tomorrow’s grand finale.

The day began with a scheduled one-hour delay, anticipating a later arrival of the sea breeze. Patience paid off. By 3.00 PM, the Race Committee had hoisted the flags for Race 5 in a 10-knot wind from 260, setting the stage for a classic Star Class battle across the Split Channel.

CAYARD AND KLEEN TAKE CONTROL WITH BACK-TO-BACK WINS IN SPLIT

Two intense races sailed in challenging conditions on Day 4, German U30 team lead the ranking

Split, Croatia – September 11, 2025 – Day 4 of the 2025 Star World Championshipdelivered a true test of skill and stamina, with two full-length races sailed in a building northwesterly breeze ranging from 10 to 16 knots, and a choppy sea state that, at times, became very demanding for the fleet of 101 teams.

After heading out on schedule, sailors had to wait briefly as a system of clouds brought a light rain over the race area. Once the breeze settled, Race 3 started around 2,30pm, with the committee boat end of the line and the right-hand side of the course appearing strongly favored. Teams that committed to the right saw immediate gains, reaching the top mark ahead of the pack.

NEGRI AND LAMBERTENGHI WIN DAY TWO IN SPLIT AFTER TACTICAL DUEL ON THE ADRIATIC

12-knot breeze delivers perfect conditions for Race 2 at the 2025 Star World Championship

Split, Croatia – September 9, 2025 – The second day of racing at the 2025 Star World Championship in Split, Croatia, saw the full 101-boat fleet return to the water for Race 2after a 90-minute wait ashore. Despite a light and uncertain forecast, the Race Committee docked out at 12.30pm, taking a chance that paid off handsomely, by early afternoon, a solid 12-knot easterly filled the racecourse, accompanied by a moderate chop across the Split Channel.