Game On: J/70 World Championship Begins in Buenos Aires
by Hannah Lee Noll 27 Oct 23:05 PDT
28 October - 1 November 2025
J70 World Championship Practice Race at Buenos Aires, Argentina © YCA / @ Matias Capizzano
For the first time in class history, the J/70 World Championship is being held in South America. The 2025 edition runs October 28 to November 1 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, hosted by Yacht Club Argentino, one of the most historic and prestigious yacht clubs in South America.
A total of 71 teams from 16 countries are on the starting line, each vying for one of the most coveted titles in one-design sailing.
Competitors are here by qualification system. Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Chile, China, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Uruguay, and the United States are all represented.
The roster includes a cast of characters legendary across the sport, including Olympic medalists, past J/70 World Champions, America's Cup legends, SailGP athletes, TP52 champions, and a stacked field of Corinthian talent. A few noteworthy inclusions:
- Brutus, the 2023 J/70 World Champion team from Charles Thompson, now with Doug Rastello at the helm
- China's two-time Olympic medalist Lijia Xu
- 2025 J/70 Corinthian World Champion Alec Cutler's Hedgehog
- Women's America's Cup Champion Giulia Conti
- 2024 World Champion driver Jeremy Wilmot, now crewing for Al Minella
- Two-time J/70 World Champion Peter Duncan with Victor Diaz de Leon, Jud Smith and Willem Van Waay
Yacht Club Argentino
"It is an incredible honor for Yacht Club Argentino to host the J/70 World Championship here in Buenos Aires," said Mariano Sellanes, Event Chairman. "Our club has a deep history, and we are thrilled to welcome top teams from around the world to our waters. From the elite professionals to the Corinthian sailors competing at the highest level, this championship showcases some of the best of our sport."
Corinthian Contingent
The J/70 Class is proud to host three stand-alone World Championships each year: Mixed-Plus World Championship, Corinthian World Championship, and the J/70 Open World Championship (this week). In addition to the overall title, a Corinthian winner will also be decided this week. Among a strong field of competition, keep an eye on Pedro Garra's Plan B from Uruguay, Andres Ducasse's Ducasse Sailing Team from Chile, and Alec Cutler's Hedgehog from Bermuda.
Racing on the Río de la Plata
Up to 10 races will be held on the shallow Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world, where prevailing winds cross wide-open water and consistent conditions. It's springtime in the Southern Hemisphere, so the hope is for sunny days and 10-knot breeze along with the occasional frontal system rolling through.
Today in Buenos Aires
Today's practice race saw Buenos Aires live up to its name. Whitecaps, wipeouts, rolling waves, and 20 knots of breeze. Plenty of surfing. Buenos Aires means "good winds;" that's exactly what sailors experienced. "Today felt more like the Solent than Argentina" said world champion Charles Thompson. "It was cold, windy, and full-on. We had a blast."
Beyond Sailing
Buenos Aires offers an unforgettable cultural backdrop: world-class wine, asados, late-night dinners, waterfront walks, and tango in the plazas. From mate on the docks to empanadas and dulce de leche, sailors are experiencing the full magic of this electric city.
Sponsors include Life Seguros, Almarena Madero Urbano, Galeno, South American Rigging/Marlow/Velo, Ansilta, Eximia, Windsail, Emergencias, Fantoche, and Vacalin
Find out more at yca.org.ar/2025/01/15/2025-j70-world-championship