Chris Poole Dominates Opening Day of the 61st Congressional Cup

Long Beach, CA – April 29, 2026 – Chris Poole of Riptide Racing kicked off the 61st Congressional Cup with a commanding performance, securing a dominant position in the opening day of the World Match Racing Tour event. The regatta, hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club, is renowned as the ‘granddaddy’ of modern world-class match racing.

The Congressional Cup: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1965, the Congressional Cup has long been a proving ground for top-tier match racing sailors. The World Match Racing Tour recognizes the event as a premier competition, pioneering on-the-water umpiring and attracting the world’s best skippers. Many America’s Cup skippers, including Ted Turner, Dennis Conner and James Spithill, have honed their skills at this prestigious regatta.

Day One Results: Poole Takes the Lead

Poole, currently ranked #1 globally, demonstrated his skill and consistency, winning all of his initial matches. World Match Racing Tour reports that Poole’s crew includes Joachim Aschenbrenner, Bernardo Freitas, Mal Parker, Lars-Peter Rosendahl, and Harry West.

Key Competitors and Rankings

Following closely behind Poole is Johnie Berntsson of Berntsson Sailing Team, ranked #2 in the world. Berntsson’s crew consists of Martin Krite, Johan Bäckman, Bjorn Lundgren, Henrik Walderyd, and Daniel Wallberg. The event features a lineup of top-ranked match racing skippers from around the globe.

Event Details and Schedule

The 61st Congressional Cup runs from April 29th to May 3rd, 2026, at the Long Beach Yacht Club in California. The regatta is a five-day event where competitors vie for the coveted Congressional Cup trophy and the prestigious Crimson Blazer, often likened to the Green Jacket in professional golf. The Long Beach Yacht Club is hosting the event, with a dedicated team of 300 member volunteers.

Looking Ahead

As the regatta progresses, the competition is expected to intensify. Fans can follow the action live from May 1st to 3rd as the world’s best sailors battle for supremacy at the Congressional Cup. The event continues to solidify its position as a cornerstone of the World Match Racing Tour and a vital stepping stone for aspiring America’s Cup contenders.