Jennings and Trinter crowned 2026 Star North American Champions in Tampa
Jack Jennings and Phil Trinter (USA) are the 2026 Star North American Champions. After leading the championship from the opening race, the American duo sealed the title with an impressive five victories in eight races, finishing with just 10 net points with a race to spare.
The final day brought two more races in a northerly breeze of 10–12 knots, with the competition for the remaining podium positions going down to the wire.
Jennings and Trinter added a second place in Race 7 before sitting out the final race, having already secured the championship. Behind them, John Loe and Shane Zwingelberg (USA) delivered a strong finish, winning Race 7 and taking third in Race 8 to claim the silver medal with 18 points.
George Szabo and Guy Avellon (USA) completed the podium with 21 points after finishing sixth and second in today's races, recovering from an earlier DNC to secure bronze.
Jim Buckingham and Brad Nichol (USA) finished fourth overall, while Burkhard Keese and Jesper Spehr (GER) took fifth on countback ahead of Keith Dodson and Mark Strube (USA).
The final race victory went to Doug Smith and TC Belco, providing a fitting conclusion to four days of competitive Star sailing.
The championship offered a great variety of conditions, from the strong northerly winds and gusts exceeding 20 knots of the opening days to the lighter, tactically demanding breeze of the final two days. Throughout the eight races, the fleet delivered close battles and exciting mark roundings, once again showcasing the competitive spirit of the Star Class.
The event concluded with the prize-giving ceremony, celebrating the new North American Champions and the top finishers.
FINAL OVERALL RESULTS – TOP 10
Jack Jennings / Phil Trinter (USA) – 10 pts
John Loe / Shane Zwingelberg (USA) – 18 pts
George Szabo / Guy Avellon (USA) – 21 pts
Jim Buckingham / Brad Nichol (USA) – 33 pts
Burkhard Keese / Jesper Spehr (GER) – 46 pts
Keith Dodson / Mark Strube (USA) – 46 pts
Stephen Braveman / Ron Rezac (USA) – 48 pts
Michael Hecky / Luke Lawrence (USA) – 50 pts
Doug Smith / TC Belco (USA) – 56 pts
John Polglase / Paul Wetmore (USA) – 59 pts