The Eastern Yacht Club (EYC) on Boston’s North Shore is one of the USA’s most preeminent clubs, and was home to the 2022 Star Class World Championship presented by Bacardi from September 8-17.

100 years ago, the first ever Star World Championship took place in Long Island, NY, USA. The boat was about 10 years old at the time and its popularity was expanding from American borders to the rest of the Globe. This year we celebrated one the most endured sailing classes, the International Star Class, with the 100th Anniversary Star World Championship in Marblehead, MA, which is not so distant from the venue of the first edition of the event. It is a testimony of the longstanding appeal of the boat designed in 1910 by Francis Sweisguth, which was also an Olympic sailing class for 80 years, from 1932 to 2012 – longer than any other class.

It shaped up to be an event to remember. The 2022 Star World Championship not only celebrated the 100th Anniversary Championship, but registered a record number of participants following the Olympic years. There were more than 15 past Star World Champions and a good representation of the new generation with 15 U30 teams.

Following four days of inspection to ensure compliance with class rules, the practice race got underway Saturday, September 10, followed by a cocktail hour hosted by Bacardi, which no doubt was a popular post-race daily gathering throughout the Championship.

Patience aplenty was the theme at the 100th Anniversary Star World Championship, as every day featured postponements, general recalls and unpredictable conditions. Friday’s race 5 was no different, with a postponement and general recall, followed by a black flag start to put the eighty-four boat fleet in restrained mode for the start of the 10.3 nm race.

“The International Star Class Yacht Racing Association is beyond proud to be celebrating this historic achievement, the first by any international class,” commented Tom Londrigan, Star Class President. “Over the past 100 years, the role the Star Class has played in international sailing cannot be overstated. The Star has led with innovations, not least modernizing itself, while retaining its distinctive one-design hull shape. The Star’s popularity continues, spanning generations. Beloved by all ages, the youngest sailor competing here is Vincent Schrader (GER), 23 years old, with the oldest, John Chiarella (USA) at 85 – all thrilled to be competing. John Chiarella is the Star Class Commodore. Thank you to the host Eastern Yacht Club, to the Star Class sailors and volunteers. We look forward to a wonderful week.”

More information on the event including the results can be found at https://2022worlds.starchampionships.org/P12

Photos can be at https://capizzano.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/2022-STAR-WORLDS/C0000jJKRy2R9UNA

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, another ICOYC Club, will be hosting the 2023 Star North American Championship May 29 – June 3, 2023