Icons claim 505 North American title

Thirty-five teams competed in the 2025 5O5 North American Championship, held August 21-24 in Kingston, ON. Howie Hamlin and Jeff Nelson dominated the 12-race series, winning seven races to secure the title before the final race. Mike Martin/ Adam Lowry finished second, while Mike Holt/ Carl Smit rounded out the podium in third.

This was Hamlin’s eighth and Nelson’s fifth North American title, but the first time they’ve clinched the title as a team.

“There’s nothing like winning, but this one is extra sweet,” said Hamlin. “Jeff and I have been sailing together for many years, and yet the North Americans trophy has eluded us, so it was really important for me to finally deliver the speed that Jeff needs to execute his tactical brilliance.

“Jeff’s just a phenomenal sailor. In 505 sailing, there’s nothing harder than crewing – crews have to be a 220 pound ballerina that’s a tactical genius and who can make the boat go fast, and Jeff delivers on all of those things.”

Nelson added, “We talked a little bit before the week, it’s Howard’s 50th anniversary of his first NAs, it’s my 25th, and it certainly hasn’t gotten easier over the years. It felt great to win in this venue where it’s been more moderate conditions, not just a one-side race track that’s all about boatspeed; it was very tactically difficult and tricky both upwind and downwind.”

The regatta kicked off a solid east breeze, unusual for Kingston, as a building thermal breeze carried the fleet through four competitive opening races. Early leaders Mike Holt/Carl Smit were closely trailed by Hamlin/Nelson and Nic Baird/Eric Anderson.

Mid-regatta, Hamlin and Nelson hit their stride in the moderate, flat-water conditions, delivering a string of podium finishes that positioned them firmly atop the standings.

Results: https://results.kingstonyachtclub.com/?r=2025/Regattas/505%20North%20American%20Championships.htm

Source: Lexi Pline