Newport, Rhode Island — October 2, 2026
The Resolute Cup has entered its decisive stage after a demanding third day in Newport, with stronger winds and a building current beginning to separate the leading teams.
After two relatively light days, the southerly breeze increased into the high teens on Friday before a strong ebb tide created short, steep seas across the racecourse.
The conditions proved challenging for the 22 competing yacht clubs, with several breakdowns reported and crews dealing with minor injuries.
Corinthian Yacht Club strengthened its position at the top of the leaderboard, scoring 13 points across four races. The two-time defending champions from Marblehead now lead the fleet with 31 points and an average finish of 2.8.
Eastern Yacht Club sits second on 36.4 points after receiving redress for an equipment failure in the second race of the day. San Diego Yacht Club is third on 38 points.
The fight behind the leaders remains close, with Bayview Yacht Club and Annapolis Yacht Club also inside the top five.
Annapolis had the strongest day of the fleet, scoring 12 points across its four races.
Tough conditions change the picture
The stronger breeze provided a significant contrast to the opening two days.
“We sailed a lot of Sonars over the years, having them in Chicago,” said Chicago Yacht Club skipper Will Holz, whose team scored a second and a first on Friday.
“It was tough out there, really hard driving.”
Chicago moved into eighth place overall after its strong performance.
The Resolute Cup is sailed in identical Sonars, with supplied sails, equalized rig settings and on-the-water umpiring designed to keep the competition as level as possible.
Everything comes down to Saturday
With 18 races now completed, the final day will determine the 2026 champion.
Two full-fleet races are scheduled for Saturday before the top half of the fleet advances to as many as three double-point medal races.
There will be no discards in the medal-race series, meaning every point will count.
The 2026 Resolute Cup is being hosted at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport and runs through October 3. The biennial Corinthian championship brings together yacht clubs from across the United States, with the winner earning a place in the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup.
Current standings
- Corinthian Yacht Club — 31
- Eastern Yacht Club — 36.4
- San Diego Yacht Club — 38
- Bayview Yacht Club — 50
- Annapolis Yacht Club — 46
The final races and medal series take place Saturday.
