After three days of intense, head-to-head racing on Lake Michigan, hometown favorite Peter Holz and his Windy City Racing team captured victory at the 2025 U.S. Match Racing Championship (USMRC), hosted by Chicago Yacht Club. Sailing in Tom 28s under challenging autumn conditions, Holz and crew delivered sharp, confident performances to secure their second Prince of Wales Bowl and National Champion title, further cementing their legacy in U.S. Match Racing.
This year’s championship brought together the nation’s top match racers, seasoned champions and rising stars alike, for a weekend of tactical showdowns, spicy pre-starts, and heated mark roundings. Competitors faced a full range of conditions, from steady southerly breezes of 8–10 knots and small sea states ideal for precision boat handling, to shifty northerly and easterly winds that demanded constant adaptability. The changing weather kept both the race management team and sailors on their toes throughout the regatta.
Local and seasoned match racing PRO, Darcy Cook, and her experienced race committee kept racing rolling, sometimes even until sunset, to ensure the completion of the full format, including a consolation round robin aimed at providing developing teams with meaningful match racing experience.
“We’re really happy we got the entire format in, keeping everyone sailing for as long as we could,” said event co-chair Ray Groble III. “We hope the competitors take away what a great city Chicago is and what great sailing we have here on Lake Michigan.”
After dominating the round robin and quarterfinals with an 8–1 record, Christian Prendergast, a rising star and Chicago Yacht Club sailor, advanced through the semifinals after defeating Molly Carapiet. Only a year out of high school, Prendergast impressed both peers and spectators with his poise, precision, and sharp tactical instincts.
Awaiting him in the finals was Holz, who had overcome three-time Prince of Wales Bowl winner Pearson Potts and his Guardians of the Monohull team in a tense semifinal that showcased Holz’s experience and control.
The final showdown between the veteran and the newcomer made for a dramatic conclusion. Holz and his Windy City Racing team came out strong, sweeping Prendergast 3–0 to claim both the Prince of Wales Bowl and the U.S. Match Racing Champion title. The breezy, choppy Lake Michigan conditions heightened the excitement, with tight crosses, numerous umpire calls, and near-contact moments that had everyone holding their breath. In the end, Holz’s deep local knowledge and years of match racing experience proved decisive against Prendergast’s speed and sharp moves.
“Watching an all-Chicago Yacht Club final between two sailors who came up through our junior program was incredibly exciting,” added Groble. “It’s a testament to the strong sailing traditions we’ve built here on Lake Michigan. We’re grateful to US Sailing and to all the competitors for supporting our club and making this such a special event.”
Podium and Final Standings
1st Peter Holz, Ian Beckley, Hector Guzman, Jonathan Hammond
2nd Christian Prendergast, Raulf Berry, Maxim Fedulova, Sam Gilmour, Mark Spearman
3rd Pearson Potts, Kate Bjerregaard, Ben Greenfield, Rachel Perry, Chase Quinn
4th Molly Carapiet, Evan Cahill, Jen Glass, Ben Louttit, Ted McDonough
In the petit final, Potts defeated Carapiet 2–0 to secure third place, while Detroit sailor Ryan Seago topped a competitive consolation round robin of the rest of the fleet: Cormac Murphy, Peter Wickwire, Nicole Breault, Mason Cook, and Lindsey Baab.
The 2025 U.S. Match Racing Championship showcased the strength and evolution of U.S. match racing while highlighting Chicago Yacht Club’s dedication to development, quality race management, and legacy. From the emergence of local talent like Prendergast to the enduring excellence of veterans like Holz, Potts, and Wickwire, the regatta embodied both tradition and new energy in the sport.
“We are absolutely over the moon,” said Holz after the win. “Winning this once was sweet, but winning it at home a second time makes it even sweeter. To do it here on Lake Michigan, surrounded by friends, family, and the Chicago Yacht Club community, is something really special.”
When asked for words of wisdom for the next generation of match racers, Holz added:
“Get involved. Show up and race. You’re only as good as those you race with and against. Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned have come from racing other great teams. We’re so grateful to US Sailing and Chicago Yacht Club for all their hard work in making this championship happen.”
US Sailing extends its sincere thanks to Chicago Yacht Club for hosting this year’s U.S. Match Racing Championship and to the dedicated race committee volunteers, umpires, and event staff whose expertise and tireless work make these events a success. Special appreciation goes to the national sponsors, Goslings Rum, Polar Seltzer, and Sextant Wines, for keeping the sailors hydrated and for their continued support of US Sailing championships across the country.
For full results and event photos, visit the event website.