Argyle Campbell and crew capture the 2025 Etchells Pacific Coast Championship in San Diego
by San Diego Yacht Club 24 Feb 15:16 PST
February 22-23, 2025
2025 Etchells Pacific Coast Championship © Mark Albertazzi
The 2025 Etchells Pacific Coast Championship, hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club, delivered an intense and tactical weekend of racing on the Coronado Roads, where Argyle Campbell and crew racing Rock On emerged as the overall winners. They secured victory with exceptional starts, clear lanes, and steady performances across all races.
With 30 boats on the line, this championship was a true test of skill, tactics, and adaptability, as competitors battled through shifty conditions, tight fleet positioning, and an unusual pre-race challenge—navigating safely around a Navy jet crash wreckage site on the way to the course. Despite the presence of a designated no-go zone due to recovery operations for the downed EA-18G Growler, the race committee did an outstanding job ensuring competitors had a clear and safe pathway.
A Weekend of Tight Racing & Tactical Adjustments
The regatta kicked off with tricky conditions that saw Bruce Nelson (Rhino) leading the fleet after Day 1. Reflecting on the day's racing, Nelson noted:
"It was a very tricky, shifty San Diego day. Early on, the right side was favored, but as the breeze shifted more right, it created light spots, and the left side became the better call. We played the shifts, found pressure, and that helped us stay up front."
By the end of the weekend, Argyle Campbell and his crew proved to be the most consistent team, a critical factor in securing their win.
"Our key to success was fantastic starts. We were able to sail in clear lanes every weather leg, which positioned us well at the top mark and kept us in the single digits the whole time," said Campbell.
"We've been refining how we set up the boat, what sails to use, and how to adjust as a team. That familiarity and working with Coach Dave Ullman really paid off."
Their win marks an impressive feat in the highly competitive fleet, demonstrating the value of both preparation and adaptability.
Overall Results: (Top 3)
Argyle Campbell - USA 1452 Rock On
Jim Cunningham - USA 1404 Lifted
Chris Busch - USA 969 Buschido
Corinthian Division: (Top 3)
Don Jesberg - USA 1429 Viva
Matt Hecht - USA 1229 Capricorn
Grace Yakutis - USA 1092 Coyote
Fleet 13's Tradition: A Priceless Learning Opportunity
In true Fleet 13 tradition, Saturday's racing was followed by an invaluable post-race debrief led by Steve Hunt and Dave Ullman. These highly anticipated sessions are a hallmark of the fleet, where top sailors and coaches open their playbooks to help the entire fleet improve and grow.
"This kind of open collaboration is what makes Fleet 13 special," said one competitor. "Hearing insights from the best in the game and getting a chance to ask questions is simply priceless."
Overcoming Challenges: Racing Safely Amid Recovery Efforts
While the regatta was marked by fierce competition, one of the biggest challenges came before racing even began—navigating around a U.S. Navy jet crash site. The EA-18G Growler fighter jet crashed into San Diego Bay near Shelter Island earlier in the week, prompting recovery efforts and a designated no-go zone in the area.
Despite the unexpected obstacle, the San Diego Yacht Club race committee, along with competitors, handled the situation seamlessly. The success of the event—despite such an unusual challenge—was a testament to both the professionalism of race organizers and the adaptability of the fleet.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Fleet
As part of ongoing discussions about enhancing race technology, Erik Shampain presented on the positive impact that Vakaros has had in other regattas, including its use in Miami and the upcoming North American Championship.
"Every fleet that has used Vakaros has seen its benefits in both race management and individual boat performance. As we look ahead to future events like the Orca Bowl, we're exploring how this technology could be incorporated to help sailors optimize their racing," said Shampain.
Midwinters West Up Next
The West Coast Spring Series now shifts focus to the upcoming Midwinters West. The San Diego Yacht Club once again promises world-class race management and competitive sailing as teams prepare for the upcoming North American Championship in May.
Acknowledgments
A special thanks to the San Diego Yacht Club, the race committee, volunteers, and all competitors who made the 2025 Etchells Pacific Coast Championship a success. As Argyle Campbell noted in his victory speech:
"San Diego Yacht Club is always incredibly welcoming. This was a tricky regatta, but a fantastic one. Thanks to everyone who helped put it together and made it such a great event."
With 30 boats on the starting line, increasing competition in the fleet, and continued innovation in race technology, the Etchells class remains one of the most exciting and dynamic one-design sailing communities in the world.