Star Class, the stage is set to celebrate 100 years of achievement

The Eastern Yacht Club on Boston's north shore, one of the USA's most preeminent clubs, is home to the 2022 Star Class World Championship presented by Bacardi from September 8-17.

Marking the 100th Anniversary since the first Star Worlds in 1922, the Championship represents a significant moment in history, reflected in the attendance by sailors from around the world who will compete to write their names on the Star World Championship Trophy, titles and prizes.

Following four days of inspection to ensure compliance with class rules, the practice race got underway today, Saturday, September 10, followed by a cocktail hour hosted by Bacardi, which no doubt will be a popular post-race daily gathering throughout the Championship.

"The International Star Class Yacht Racing Association is beyond proud to be celebrating this historic achievement, the first by any international class," commented Tom Londrigan, Star Class President. "Over the past 100 years, the role the Star Class has played in international sailing cannot be overstated. The Star has led with innovations, not least modernizing itself, while retaining its distinctive one-design hull shape. The Star's popularity continues, spanning generations. Beloved by all ages, the youngest sailor competing here is Vincent Schrader (GER), 23 years old, with the oldest, John Chiarella (USA) at 85 – all thrilled to be competing. John Chiarella is the Star Class Commodore. Thank you to our hosts the Eastern Yacht Club, to the Star Class sailors and volunteers. We look forward to a wonderful week."

Roll Call of Legends
As teams made their final preparations, a look around the hectic boat park sees multiple World Champions, Star Continental Champions, Bacardi Cup winners and other famous names set for some super competitive racing.

Every Star World Championship is a battle of legends and winning the 100th anniversary event will be something special, something dreams are made of. One hundred and sixty eight sailors from thirteen nations are in the quest for glory, with fourteen former World Champions in the mix.

Among those installed as favorites are defending 2021 Star World Champions Diego Negri/Frithjof Kleen (ITA/GER), racing here with different teammates, Negri is back with crew Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA) and Kleen is crewing for Paul Cayard (USA).

Racing
The six-race series features a traditional one long two-hour race per day, from Monday, September 12 through to Saturday, September 17, with a lay day scheduled on 14 September. The series discard will come into play after five races.

The revered Star World Championship Trophy will be presented to the winning team, with prizes to the top five overall, along with trophies to top placed teams in the Under 30, Masters, Grand Masters and Exalted Grand Masters divisions, as well as daily and series prizes.

Enduring Legacy
In tribute to the heritage of the Star Class, teams were invited to choose a sail number to mark a moment in Star history which resonated with them, and a read down the sail numbers reflects plenty of personal stories and memories.

Larry Whipple chose 1922 to mark the inaugural worlds, and as one of the creators of the 'Star Class Legacy Foundation' his goal is to introduce future generations to this versatile, technical and challenging boat.

Like many former World Champions, Paul Cayard opted for the year he won the Star Worlds, and will race under '1988', while his son Danny chose '1969' to reflect the year his grandfather Pelle Pettersson claimed the title.

Celebrations
From the racetrack to shoreside, the 100th Anniversary will embrace plenty of celebrations and socials, with dinners, cocktail parties and live music. Every former Star Class World Champion alongside many other celebrities have been invited to the Gala Dinner hosted by Bacardi on Wednesday, September 14, to join teams for a night of celebration to remember.

The Star Class is renowned for its camaraderie, and the post-race hospitality is set to make this a Championship to remember for many years to come.

Celebrating the Star Class legacy, the official Anniversary Book, '100 Years of Gold Stars' written by Carol Cronin, chronicles the story of the Star Class from the drawing board to the present day, presenting a unique history of facts, figures, anecdotes and first-hand accounts, illustrated with stunning photos. Teams and fans can also memorize the moment with commemorative apparel.