It’s hard to imagine a better debut for the inaugural J/70 Mixed Plus World Championship, held in the iconic sailing venue of Torbole, on Lake Garda. Fifty teams from 18 nations came together for a week of spectacular and intense racing. The event marked a resounding success for a new and innovative format that, right from its first edition, attracted not only some of the top names in the global J/70 scene but also over 25 former Olympic athletes — alongside a record-breaking female presence, with more than 125 women competing. A truly extraordinary number compared to the usual average of one per boat.

Framing this high-level event was the unmistakable breeze of Lake Garda and the flawless hospitality of Circolo Vela Torbole, which welcomed more than 250 participants from around the world with professionalism and warmth. It was the perfect combination of sport, passion, and vision for the future of sailing, all coordinated by the expert organization of the J/70 Italian Class and J/70 International Class.

From the very first day, it was the Spanish team Yupi that set the pace at the top of the leaderboard, delivering consistently strong performances. At the helm, Olympic bronze medalist in the Finn class at Tokyo 2020, Joan Cardona Méndez demonstrated expert fleet management and tactical clarity in every condition.

But Yupi’s victory was far from guaranteed. Despite leading early on, the championship was decided in the very last race, in a thrilling photo finish. That’s when the Spanish team had to respond to the late charge from Australia’s Vamos, managing to defend their lead by the narrowest of margins — just two points in the final standings. Tim Ryan and his crew delivered a second and a first place in the last two races, steadily closing the gap and earning a well-deserved silver medal.

Third place went to Sailracing, the Swedish team led by Anton Dahlberg, who finished 30 points behind the Australians. Just off the podium was Brazil’s To Nessa, followed by the American team Catapult, helmed by Joel Ronning.

Rounding out the top ten were: J-Curve of Mauro Roversi (Italy), Lujzi (Hungary), Brutus II (United Kingdom), T.One(Italy), skippered by Manfredo Toninelli – also the winner of the One Pro division, for teams with only one professional sailor – and War Canoe (USA).

“We’re truly happy to have won this first-ever Mixed Plus World Championship,” said Joan Cardona Méndez. “It was a special event, very different from any other regatta. The level of competition was incredibly high, and seeing so many women on the water was fantastic. Lake Garda gave us perfect conditions, and our team worked in great harmony from day one. This will be an experience we’ll always remember.”

Just outside the top ten came the Corinthian fleet, tightly packed from 11th to 15th place. Taking the top spot in the Corinthian division was DSP of Douglas Struth (UK), who managed to overtake Dime of Andrew Loe (USA) on the final day, after Loe had led for most of the event. The bronze medal went to White Hawk of Gianfranco Noè, a former Corinthian world champion. Completing the top five were Piccinina of Stefano Roberti (Monaco) and Ciclone of Yann Inghilesi (Italy).

The Mixed Plus format also includes special prizes: for the best all-female crew and the best female helm. The all-female crew award went to Hollandsch Glorie, skippered by Sanne Crum, while the best female helm prize was awarded to Luca Kis-Szolgyemi onboard Lujzi.

Finally, the best team in the Young division was Bulla – Yacht Club Italiano, with Matilde Garaventa at the helm.

As this groundbreaking international event draws to a close, the J/70 Italian Class season will resume right here on Lake Garda in just three weeks: the third act of the J/70 Cup 2025 will be held from July 18 to 20.