History made at J/70 World Champs

After ten races over five days, shifting tides and reshuffled leaderboards, the 2025 J/70 World Championship came to a dramatic close in in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Laura Grondin and her team Dark Energy (USA) made history, becoming the first helmswoman to win it.

Family values prevailed in the Corinthian division; Andrés Ducasse’s Ducasse Sailing Team (CHI) claimed top Corinthian honors in a heartfelt finish that brought the crowd to its feet for a father, four sons onboard, and a son coaching. They finished 21st overall.

With racing on October 28-November 1, the World title outcome was decided in the final moments of the final race, but it took years to build to this moment. “It’s been a five-year run,” said Grondin. “None of this happens by yourself. It takes a team. What makes us world champion? The ability to be resilient. We’ve stood on a lot of podiums, but being first is different. It just is.”

Grondin was joined with tactician Taylor Canfield, back-to-back champion Ted Hackney, Ian Liberty, coach Robby Bisi, and husband Rick Grondin.

“I’m so stoked to be the first female driver to win this, and I want there to be many more,” said Grondin. “I hope this is just the beginning. There were five helmsmen at this event, which is remarkable—but we need to have more. To all the women who competed on any boat: my shout-out to you. Keep going.”

For the first time in Class history, the J/70 World Championship was held in South America, attracting 71 teams from 16 countries. The event had a wide variety of conditions and challenging river current on the shallow Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world.

South American teams earned four out of the top five positions and swept the Corinthian top five.

“As the father of these kids, I’m grateful to God, grateful to sailing, and grateful for having taught my children and watched them become such excellent sailors. Above all, I thank my sons for the opportunity to compete by their side,” said Corinthian champion Ducasse.

Event details – Results – Photos