Newport, Rhode Island — From August 26 to 29, 2025, Sail Newport will host the prestigious F18 Americas Championship on the iconic waters of Narragansett Bay. The regatta, organized by Sail Newport on behalf of the U.S. F18 Class Association, promises four days of high-performance catamaran action and international competition.
A Warm-Up and the Full Show
The long-distance New England 100 Regatta serves as a tune-up on August 23–24, giving sailors a chance to stretch their legs before the championship. Measurement and inspection appointments are available from August 22 through 25, with the official opening ceremony on August 25 at 6:00 p.m. Racing begins the following day, with a first warning signal set for 11:00 a.m. each morning. Up to 15 races are scheduled across the week, using windward/leeward and trapezoid courses, with no starts after 3:00 p.m. on the final day.
Venue and Format
Headquarters for the championship is the Sail Newport Sailing Center at Fort Adams State Park. The venue’s mix of Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound provides both tactical inshore racing and big-water tests when conditions push outside the bay. A minimum of four races will constitute a championship, and discard scoring begins once six races are completed.
Early Buzz and Anticipation
On social media, the United States F18 Class Association has already shared clips of boats arriving in Newport and highlighted that 30+ teams are expected for the New England 100 and Americas Championship combined. Excitement is building as cat sailors across North America and beyond confirm plans to converge on Rhode Island.
Who to Watch
While the official entry list on Clubspot currently shows no finalized teams—a common situation early in the registration cycle—anticipation points to a strong fleet. The championship will also feature special prizes, including awards for mixed teams, female helms (the Sandra Tartaglino Perpetual), master and youth divisions, family crews, and the Steve Piché Perseverance Trophy. A Red Gear Racing clinic scheduled for August 20–22 offers competitors a chance to sharpen their skills in local conditions.
With a world-class venue, a packed week of racing, and a passionate F18 community, the 2025 Americas Championship is poised to be one of the most memorable multihull regattas of the season.
