What it takes to win, 15 years later

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
When I crewed for Bill Hardesty in the 2011 Etchells World Championship, we were well prepared and won. From March to the event in June, we tuned some with local teams, and had rotating crew for three warm-up regattas. No sailors were getting paid, we shared a coach with a few other boats, recruited family to help when needed, and were otherwise a low-budget program.

That event was in San Diego, and the 2026 Class Worlds is returning to the venue on May 11-15. As I look now at the fleet in their ramp-up, our approach wouldn’t win today. It was a veritable fashion show at the 2026 Pacific Coast Championship with professional sailors and elite coaches, and the winning team had a support RIB that dwarfed all others.

The regatta was won by Austin Sperry who crewed for John Dane at the 2008 Olympics, and put together a comprehensive program with John Kostecki to win the 2025 Star Worlds in San Diego. Sperry is on the helm now to win the Etchells title, and shared this update on Facebook after the PCCs:

Obviously happy with the result, but the process is far more important as we continue to train and improve ahead of the World Championship in May. Win or lose, it’s the TEAM.

I’d like to thank Nitro (Noel Drennan, Etchells World Champ), JK (John Kostecki, US Hall of Fame), Rodney Hagebols (pro sailor/coach), Coach Morgan (Morgan Resser, pro sailor/coach), team Physio Chris Herrera, chef Jesse, and our partners back home for holding the fort down while we work on our craft.

We are building a solid foundation at HOSS Racing and the “next man up” mentality proves we are on the right track. Back to work as we identify ways to improve as a team. It’s such an honor to sail with such high character individuals. What’s even better, our training partners aboard Magpie from Australia and defending world champions, sailed a fantastic regatta, well done men.

After their PCC win, HOSS Racing had a new boat delivered to San Diego which they will prepare over the next few months for the 2026 World Championship.