Alec Cutler and his crew aboard Hedgehog have claimed back-to-back J/70 Corinthian World Championship titles, finishing 10 points clear of the fleet after seven races sailed across five days in Marseille. The Bermuda-flagged team delivered a masterclass in consistency at an event hosted by Club La Pelle and Union Nautique Marseillaise that attracted 88 teams from 20 nations.
Cutler’s crew of Charles Pucciariello, Keith Davids and Brad Rodi are all former United States Naval Academy sailors who have raced together for decades. After discarding a 27th-place result in the opening race, Hedgehog posted a stunning run of 2, 1, 2, 11, 4 and 3 to finish on 23 net points. Their composure and experience proved decisive in what was a technically demanding week of racing on the Mediterranean.
Cutler, who also won the 2025 edition, reflected on the bond that keeps his team competitive. “We all sailed together in college,” he said. “It’s very special to be able to sail with your friends. It’s the way Corinthian sailing should be. We very much enjoy our time together, and the sailing is a bonus.” On the venue, he added, “Marseille was technically challenging sailing. We are probably the oldest boat by average age, so we have more patience. We have a good time and rely on the Race Committee to do a good job.”
Australia’s Sam Haynes aboard Celestial earned second overall with 33 points, while Estonia’s Tonu Toniste and Lenny completed the podium in third on 39 points. Both teams were formidable contenders throughout, consistently posting top finishes and remaining in the hunt for the title until the final day.
The closing race on Saturday came after competitors waited ashore under AP postponement as organizers monitored conditions for the expected sea breeze. Patience paid off when an 8-9 knot breeze filled across the racecourse, enabling Race 7 to proceed. Winds eased slightly to 6-7 knots on the final downwind leg. Spain’s Juan Calvo Boronat helming Let It Be captured the race win, followed by Denmark’s Frederik Hvalsoe aboard Sassy in second and overall champion Hedgehog in third.
While Marseille delivered variable winds throughout the week, the event also featured sunshine, warm temperatures and spectacular Mediterranean scenery. Sailors embraced the true Corinthian spirit both on and off the water, with a friendly atmosphere permeating the regatta village and crews gathering each evening to share stories, food and drinks under the setting sun.
Special awards recognised several standout teams. Top Helmswoman went to Nevra Eker, sailing with all-female crew Melis Baykan, Ceren Celayir, Feyza Kayran Gul and Melike Asci from Turkey. The Top Young Team award was presented to Switzerland’s Simon Kaiser, Niklas Kaiser, Carlos Biber and Philip Kleisner. The Top Mixed Plus Team prize went to Lorenz Kausche, Timon Kausche, Morgane Emery and Chloé Fischer, also representing Switzerland.
Organizers extended their gratitude to the Race Committee, volunteers, sponsors, Club La Pelle, Union Nautique Marseillaise and all competitors whose enthusiasm and sportsmanship helped make the championship a memorable celebration of amateur keelboat racing.
The 2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship featured teams from Australia, Bermuda, Denmark, Estonia, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey and the United States, underscoring the truly international appeal of one-design Corinthian competition.
