Plymouth Yacht Haven Welcomes the J/24 World Championship Fleet
Plymouth Yacht Haven was proud to serve as the shoreside base for the 2025 J/24 World Championship, with all 50 international competing boats berthed in our marina throughout the event.
Teams from twelve nations — including Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the USA and the UK — descended on our pontoons for this prestigious five-day regatta, organised jointly by Saltash Sailing Club and Plym Yacht Club as well as being supported by the Port of Plymouth Sailing Association . Our marina provided secure berthing, facilities and a vibrant hub for competitors throughout the championship.
Day 1 – Big Winds, Big Waves
After a sparkling practice race in champagne sailing conditions, the opening day brought a stark contrast. With four-metre waves, torrential rain and gusts over 30 knots, racing was delayed ashore until a weather window opened near the western entrance to Plymouth Sound.
Despite the tough conditions, the fleet got away cleanly under a black flag. The USA’s “War Canoe” claimed the first race win ahead of Argentina’s “Tata Patagonia” and local UK champions “Majic” helmed by James Torr.
Day 2 – Headcase Takes Control
Improved conditions allowed three races to be completed and Ireland’s “Headcase”, skippered by Cillian Dickson, rose to the top of the leader board with an impressive and consistent display of pace and control.
Day 3 – Bangor Packet Closes In
With 25–30 knot gusts still sweeping the Sound, the fleet raced within the shelter of the Breakwater. Tony Parker’s American crew on “Bangor Packet” delivered the standout performance of the day with a 1,2 to climb to second overall, just behind “Headcase”.
“War Canoe” stayed steady in third with two fourths, while a collision at the windward mark saw Italy’s “La Superba” disqualified after damaging Germany’s “Derbe Kerle”. Local favourites “Violent J” also earned praise for one of the best starts of the regatta after rapid overnight repairs.
Day 4 – War Canoe on the Attack
A three-hour delay for shipping traffic gave way to 20 knots of breeze and another punishing day on the water, which saw yet more broken rudders and booms across the fleet.
Japan’s “Gekko” dominated Race 6, though slipped to 10th in Race 7. The real charge came from “War Canoe”, with two second places to move within three points of “Headcase” overall. “Bangor Packet” stayed firmly in contention, while “Majic” became the top British boat, battling closely with “Tata Patagonia” for fifth overall.
Day 5 – Headcase Crowned World Champions
The final day brought high drama as four boats — “Headcase”, “Bangor Packet”, “War Canoe” and “Gekko” — were all in with a shot at the title.
“Gekko” launched their bid perfectly with a race win, while “Headcase” kept their cool to finish second and “Bangor Packet” snatched third from “War Canoe” on the line. In the deciding race, the Irish team sailed a faultless performance to take their fifth race win of the series and secure the 2025 J/24 World Championship crown.
Final podium:
🥇 1st – Headcase (Ireland)
🥈 2nd – Bangor Packet (USA)
🥉 3rd – Gekko (Japan)
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Plymouth Yacht Club and Saltash Sailing Club, the official host yacht clubs of the 2025 J/24 World Championship. Their hard work, professionalism and warm hospitality on and off the water were instrumental in delivering such a successful and memorable event. It was a privilege for us at Plymouth Yacht Haven to provide the shoreside base for the competing boats and to support the clubs in showcasing world-class sailing here in Plymouth.
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