A commanding Race 7 victory seals the title before the final race, with Mitchell and Terhaar taking second overall and Buckingham and Nichol completing the podium
The 2026 Vintage Gold Cup came to a close after eight races, with Jack Jennings and Arthur Lopes claiming the laurel wreath following a superb week of consistent racing in the classic wooden Star fleet. It represent a back-to-back win for the American skipper.
The final day began with a solid southerly breeze of 8–12 mph. The Race Committee set a 1.2-nautical-mile course, and the fleet got away cleanly for Race 7 with the championship still to be decided.
Ross MacDonald and George Iverson, Mark Reynolds and Rick Peters, and Ben Mitchell and Brian Terhaar share the victories in ideal conditions for the classic wooden Stars
The 2026 Vintage Gold Cup got underway with three races in light and steady breeze, delivering close racing and three different winners on an ideal opening day for the fleet of classic wooden Stars.
Racing began in 5–8 mph of breeze, with local Star sailor Greg Smith, sailing with Bermuda's Peter Bromby, winning the pin and immediately digging hard left. The move paid, with Smith leading the fleet around the first windward mark ahead of Canadian Ross MacDonald, while California's Ben Mitchell rounded third and defending Western Hemisphere Champion Jack Jennings fourth.
Check out the official regatta gear provided by Coral Reef Sailing Apparel for the 2026 Vintage Gold Cup. Order now and pickup at the event.
Prepare for the start of this year's VGC by looking at the special events we have planned throughout the week. The accompanying artwork courtesy of amazing Brad VandenBerg!
Wednesday, October 1
6:00 pm
Opening Dinner at Gilmore Car Museum
Thursday, October 2
No formal event, sailors on their own
Friday, October 3
6:00 pm
Dinner and Auction at Gull Lake Marine Center
Saturday, October 4
5:00 pm
Bacardi Bar, Meet th Boats and Awards Dinner at Gull Lake Country Club
