Rossi Milev’s Clear Air of Canada topped the 33-boat fleet at the 2026 J/24 U.S. National Championship, sponsored by Portland Yacht Services, over nine races in three days to finish with 19 points. Joining Milev were crew Monica Morgan, Vince Somoza, Federico Donzino and Geoff Becker. Aidan Glackin’s Mental Floss placed second overall with 22 points and earned the U.S. National Championship title as the highest-finishing American boat. The Mental Floss team included Kris Werner, Scott Apmann, Chris Fischer and Dave Constants to hoist the USJCA perpetual trophy. John Mollicone’s Sparcraft finished third overall with 27 points.
The fleet featured 26 Corinthian teams, three female helms (two of whom sailed with all-female crews) and four teams led by helms under the age of 30. Mike Stasko’s Redline was the top Corinthian boat, followed by Finn Hadlock’s Boreas and Ted Wiedeke’s Caramella. All three finished in the overall top 10. Kelly FitzGerald’s Rush Hour earned best female helm honors, while Erica Beck Spencer’s Sea Bags Women’s Sailing Team was the top all-female team. KJ Wolaver and Madeline Henry’s Sisu lead the Under-30 teams.
Following a lighter and shifty start on Friday, Saturday delivered champagne conditions on the outside course, with islands and lighthouses providing a quintessential Maine backdrop. Following a short postponement, the Race Committee completed four races in an 8-12 knot seabreeze. Milev’s Clear Air and Mr. Hankey traded race wins throughout the day, while Mental Floss continued its consistent series. The day concluded with the traditional Maine lobster bake at Portland Yacht Services, where sailors and volunteers enjoyed great food, drinks and music. A wet and wavey Sunday completed the Championship with three final races. Mollicone, Hadlock and Stasko took the top three spots in Race 7, while Carey, Glackin and Mollicone led Race 8. Milev closed with a Race 9 victory, followed by Glackin and Stasko.
The 2026 J/24 U.S. National Championship showcased the strength, competitiveness and diversity of the Class, bringing together sailors from across the country and beyond for three days of memorable racing and camaraderie in Portland. Thank you to all competitors, sponsors and volunteers!
Top Five overall:
1. Clear Air, CAN 5362, Rossi Milev, 1 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 1 – 6 – 5 – [8] – 1 ; 19
2. Mental Floss, USA 5257, Aidan Glackin, 2 – 3 – 4 – 3 – 3 – 3 – [7] – 2 – 2 ; 22
3. Sparcraft, USA 5347, John Mollicone, [5] – 4 – 2 – 4 – [5] – 4 – 1 – 3 – 4 ; 27
4. Mr. Hankey, USA 1530, Andrew Carey, [11] – 6 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 1 – 4 – 1 – 10 ; 28
5. Redline, USA 799, Mike Stasko, 3 – [12] – 5 – 5 – 8 – 7 – 3 – 4 – 3 ; 38
Results may be found at the event website: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu/50488
Photos by Ann Blanchard: https://Ann-E-Photos.pixieset.com/j24nationalchampionshipandstateofmainechampionship/
