Odd Racing Takes the Lead Heading into Final Day at J/70 US National Championship
by Julie & Christopher Howell 12 Jul 12:37 AEST
July 10-12, 2026
J/70 U.S. National Championship 2026 at Santa Barbara Yacht Club © Sharon Green / ultimatesailing.com
Patience paid off on Saturday at the 2026 J/70 U.S. National Championship as competitors waited ashore for the marine layer to lift before the Santa Barbara seabreeze filled in.
Following an onshore postponement, the Race Committee was rewarded with a beautiful afternoon that transformed from glassy conditions into a steady 8-knot breeze, allowing one race to be completed and setting the stage for an exciting championship finale on Sunday. Hosted by Santa Barbara Yacht Club, the 37-boat fleet has now completed five races, bringing the discard into play and tightening an already competitive leaderboard. With just one day of racing remaining, six teams remain within striking distance of the national title.
David Jannetti's Odd Racing delivered a decisive victory in Saturday's lone race to move into first overall with just 6 net points. Friday's co-leader, Andrew Loe's Dime, sits second with 10 points, followed by Corinthian leader Pat Toole's 3 Big Dogs in third with 13 points. Ryan Cox's DJ and Jeff Janov's Crester are tied on 14 points, while Dalton Bergan's Mossy remains well within contention in sixth with 15 points.
With two-thirds of the fleet competing in the Corinthian division, the amateur competition has been equally impressive. Pat Toole's 3 Big Dogs leads the Corinthian standings, followed by Ryan Cox's DJ and Dalton Bergan's Mossy.
In the Mixed Plus division, Scott Deardorff's CAKE holds the lead over Doug Nugent's Yolanda, with Palmer Mays' Gaucho in third.
Saturday's race podium mirrored the overall standings, with Odd Racing taking the race win, Dime finishing second and 3 Big Dogs claiming third.
Beyond the racing, competitors enjoyed everything Santa Barbara has to offer. On Saturday afternoon, Ron Rosenberg, a veteran of the strong Seattle J/70 fleet, hosted a lively debrief session on the yacht club porch, leading a question-and-answer discussion with Friday's top teams. As the sun set over the Pacific, sailors gathered for Mount Gay-sponsored drinks and dinner, enjoying the relaxed beach atmosphere and renowned hospitality of Santa Barbara Yacht Club.
With six teams separated by only nine points and the championship still very much up for grabs, Sunday's final races promise a dramatic conclusion to the National Championship.