J/70 U.S. National Championship brings West Coast fleet together in Santa Barbara
by Hannah Lee Noll 10 Jul 12:09 PDT
July 10-12, 2026
2026 J/70 Midwinter Championship © Hannah Lee Noll
A new chapter in West Coast J/70 sailing begins this weekend. 38 teams from California, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, and Arizona will gather at Santa Barbara Yacht Club for the 2026 J/70 U.S. National Championship, marking the largest West Coast showing of J/70s since the Class last held its World Championship in California.
Perhaps the biggest story isn't the championship itself. It's the growth that made it possible.
The Seattle "J/Pod" has grown from a single J/70 in 2020 to a thriving fleet of 61 boats. Local fleets throughout California have expanded as well, creating momentum for the West Coast contingent to host a sold out national championship. More than half the fleet, 22 of 38 entries, are Corinthian teams, reflecting the healthy grassroots growth of amateur one-design racing across the region.
"We're really excited to bring boats back out West," said Regatta Chair Geoff Fargo. "This is the largest showing of J/70s here since the World Championship, and it's a great opportunity for the entire West Coast fleet."
The championship features competitors from across the Pacific Coast alongside several East Coast contenders, all racing for the titles of Open and Corinthian U.S. National Champion. Five teams will qualify for the 2027 J/70 World Championship in Annapolis, Maryland, including two Open and three Corinthian berths.
Among the teams to watch are Ryan Cox's DJ from Ventura Yacht Club, one of the country's leading Corinthian programs; Andrew and Mallory Loe's Dime from Seattle Yacht Club, which led the 2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship entering the final day before finishing fourth overall; J/70 North American Champion Dalton Bergan's Mossy; Long Beach's Jeff Janov on Crester; and David Jannetti's Odd Racing, sailing with J/70 World Champion Willem van Waay, Brazilian tactician Geison Mendes, and James Golden.
For Ryan Cox, hosting Nationals on the West Coast represents more than a championship.
"Most of the big events are in Florida or on the East Coast, so it's pretty cool that the fleet hasn't forgotten us out here," he said. "We've got to keep the momentum going after this event. It's exciting to see all the growth."
Santa Barbara Yacht Club has planned three days of racing following Thursday's practice day, with daily beachside socials overlooking the Pacific. Sailors can expect Santa Barbara's classic summer conditions, where the morning marine layer burns away before the afternoon sea breeze fills across the course.
Hosted by Santa Barbara Yacht Club, the championship showcases the continued expansion of the J/70 Class, which supports active fleets across the world and a full calendar of local, national, and international competition.