Mayes Yousef
The Long Beach Yacht Club has officially announced plans for the 60th edition of its renowned Congressional Cup, which will run from April 30 to May 4, 2025. Since its inception in 1965, the Congressional Cup has become a key event in the world of match racing, making it the longest-standing competition of its kind in the U.S. It has also been a central part of the World Match Racing Tour since 2000, a prominent international series in the sport.
Long Beach is globally recognized for hosting top-tier events, showcasing the best of American culture and sportsmanship.
Among the list of past champions are sailing icons like Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, and Francesco Bruni, all of whom have donned the event’s signature Crimson Blazer, a symbol of victory.
Lisa Meier, who will take over as Commodore of the Long Beach Yacht Club in 2025, highlighted the event’s impact. “The Congressional Cup not only draws elite competitors from across the globe but also plays a crucial role in the development of up-and-coming sailors,” she said. “It fosters a unique environment of friendship and enthusiasm that helps shape the future of match racing.”
In this year’s edition, Chris Poole and his Riptide Racing team secured their second consecutive Congressional Cup title, defeating five-time British winner Ian Williams in the final. The event also marked the first competition of the 2024 World Match Racing Tour. Poole currently leads the skipper standings with two remaining events—the Bermuda Gold Cup later this month and the tour finale in Shenzhen, scheduled from Dec. 10-15.