Star Class returns ‘home’ for World title

Among the biggest 2024 events in the USA will be the Star World Championship to be held September 8-13 in San Diego, California. As one of the Star Class homes, the event returns after over a decade, with host San Diego Yacht Club expecting upwards of 60 Star boats on the starting line.

Local Carter Cameron has been sailing Stars for less than a year, and although new to the fleet, he’s no stranger to success on the water. Most notably, Cameron has four National Championships from his time sailing with the College of Charleston. Most recently, he raced in the 2024 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta in March.

“I look forward to being on the starting line with the best sailors! There’s no better way to improve your sailing than sailing against people better than you,” said Cameron.

Professionally, Cameron has worked alongside Star World Champions Mark Reynolds and George Szabo at Quantum Sails. “They’ve given me all sorts of advice on how to make the boat go fast. The advice that sticks out the most is making sure you sight your rig side to side on the water to make sure your lower shrouds are set properly, and then making sure the helm is balanced with that.”

Also prepped and ready to race is the top USA skipper from the 2023 Worlds in Italy, Jack Jennings. Jennings finished last year’s Worlds in 11th place and is back to working his way up the scoresheet with crew Pedro Trouche. Jennings has been sailing Stars for 15 years and has earned the champion title in North America and Europe, consistently placing in the top 5 or 10 of the fleet.

“There are many long-time Star sailors, but the ones that become champions really sacrifice a lot of time, effort and work to become the best,” observed Jennings. “You have to know going in that it is a long road and there are no shortcuts. There are many things to love about the Star, but you have to love the process of getting better to win. Pace yourself and enjoy the process.”

After racing in the 2024 Star Worlds in San Diego, Jennings and team will go back to Miami to prepare for the 2025 Bacardi Cup in advance of the 2025 Star Worlds to be held in Croatia.

While Dennis Conner is well known for his America’s Cup success, he considers his proudest moment to be with the Star Class.

“The biggest event I ever won was held in Kiel, Germany in 1968, when Ron Anderson and I won every race in the Star World Championships with 89 boats — a feat that I dare say will never be accomplished again. When people talk about my greatest victories, winning four America’s Cups is one thing…but the real thing that stands out for me, in my heart, is that I know the greatest victory for me is in a Star boat.”

John MacCausland with crew Phil Trinter (above), who won the 2013 Star World Championship in San Diego, are paired with new teammates for the 2024 edition.

Event information – Entry list – Facebook

Source: SDYC