Buley repeats at J/80 North Americans

After three outstanding days of racing on the waters of Lake Ontario, James Buley and Le Tigre successfully defended their title, capturing the 2026 J/80 North American Championship at CORK Sail Kingston in Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. Twenty-seven teams competed July 10-12, completing eight races in a Championship that showcased tight competition, excellent race management and the benefits of Vakaros RaceSense system, culminating in a nail-biting finish.

Buley, of San Diego, CA, was joined by an accomplished crew of Bill Hardesty, Jackson Benvenutti and Skip Dieball. Their consistent performance across the eight-race series earned them back-to-back North American Championship titles. Buley finished tied on 16 points with Graham Philpot’s Black Dog, claiming the Championship via tiebreaker decided in the final race. The Black Dog team, including Ben Crosby, Tom Wells and Emmet Todd, earned Corinthian honors. Daniel Wittig’s Turbo Sloth rounded out the overall podium in third.

Off the water, competitors enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of CORK Sail Kingston. Daily shoreside gatherings featured lively debrief sessions led by Kristen Berry, giving sailors the opportunity to review Vakaros RaceSense replays, exchange ideas and build camaraderie after each day on the course.

The excitement at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour is far from over. Many of the North American Championship competitors will remain in Kingston for the 2026 J/80 World Championship July 18-25, where an international fleet will compete for the Class’ most prestigious title.

Overall Results, Top Three
1. James Buley, Le Tigre (USA 1152) 16 points
2. Graham Philpot, Black Dog (USA 829) 16 points
3. Daniel Wittig, Turbo Sloth (USA 1313) 21 points

Corinthian Results, Top Three
1. Graham Philpot, Black Dog (USA 829)
2. Ryan Seago, Kopp-Out (USA 590)
3. Megan Strehlow, Wing It (USA 738)

Event details – Results – Facebook

Source: Julie & Christopher Howell, NA J/80 Class Association