Bob Hodges has claimed the 2026 U.S. Multihull Championship title with a commanding display of consistency and speed, wrapping up the championship with a race to spare across four hard-fought days of competition.
Sailing in the Weta Trimaran class, Hodges was in a league of his own throughout the series, posting only two finishes outside the top three across 11 races. It was the kind of measured, methodical dominance that separates championship-caliber sailors from the rest of the fleet — the ability to stay sharp and minimize mistakes over a long series while others faltered.
A Tight Battle Behind the Leader
While Hodges had the title locked up early, the fight for the remaining podium spots was anything but settled. Positions second through fifth were separated by just six points heading into the final races, setting up a tense conclusion to the regatta.
Gareth Ferguson ultimately prevailed in that battle, securing second place overall. Bill Swanson finished third to round out the podium, while Alan Taylor and Chuck Carroll completed the top five in fourth and fifth, respectively. The razor-thin margins behind Hodges underscored the depth of talent in the fleet and the competitive nature of the U.S. Multihull Championship.
Variable Conditions Test the Fleet
Competitors faced a true test of versatility over the four-day event, with conditions ranging from light and sunny to dark and stormy. For multihull sailors, such a mixed bag demands constant adjustment — trimaran racing in light air requires delicate touch and precise sail trim, while heavier conditions put a premium on boat handling, fitness, and the nerve to keep the power on when conditions turn treacherous.
The Weta Trimaran has become a cornerstone of multihull racing in the United States, offering an accessible yet technically rewarding platform for competitive sailing. The lightweight, single-handed trimaran has grown steadily in popularity since its introduction, attracting a dedicated fleet of sailors who appreciate its combination of speed, agility, and portability. National championships in the class consistently draw skilled competitors from across the country, and the 2026 edition was no exception.
Columbia Sailing Club Delivers as Host
Columbia Sailing Club served as the host venue for the championship and earned praise not only for the quality of racing but also for a vibrant shoreside program that brought competitors together off the water. Regattas at the national championship level thrive when the host club creates an atmosphere that matches the intensity on the racecourse, and by all accounts, Columbia Sailing Club delivered on both fronts.
The club, based in Columbia, South Carolina, has a long history of hosting competitive events on Lake Murray, a venue known for its shifty, tactical conditions that reward smart sailing. The lake’s variable breezes likely contributed to the wide range of conditions competitors experienced throughout the series.
Hodges Cements His Standing in U.S. Multihull Sailing
For Bob Hodges, the 2026 title further cements his reputation as one of the top multihull sailors in the country. Winning a national championship with a race to spare is a statement performance, and his consistency across a long series in varying conditions speaks to both his tactical acumen and his deep familiarity with the Weta platform.
The U.S. Multihull Championship remains one of the marquee events on the domestic sailing calendar for multihull enthusiasts. As the Weta class continues to grow and attract new talent, performances like Hodges’ dominant 2026 campaign set a high bar for future competitors and add another compelling chapter to the history of American multihull racing.
Full results are available through Columbia Sailing Club’s regatta page.
Source: View original post on USSAILING
