Sophia & La Novia Crowned 2026 Budget Marine Windies Multihull Trophy Champions

With the conclusion of the 2026 Caribbean racing season, the Caribbean Sailing Association’s Budget Marine Windies Multihull Trophy results are in.

Thirty-six multihulls competed across thirteen qualifying events stretching from the British Virgin Islands to Barbados. The season included the BVI Spring Regatta and the Round Tortola Race, Barbados Sailing Week, the Round Barbados Race, Rum to Spice, Grenada Sailing Week, the Caribbean Multihull Challenge, the RORC Antigua 360, the RORC Caribbean 600, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, Antigua Racing Cup and the Antigua Sailing Week.

Multihulls were able to compete in any of the qualifying events, with their best five scores counting toward the overall standings. Scores were weighted according to the number of entries in each division at each event, rewarding both participation and performance throughout the season.

In the 60 Feet and Over Class, Sophia, a 63 ft Nigel Irens trimaran, owned by Marcos Sirota emerged as the overall winner. Although the yacht accumulated 24 points over the season, her best five results delivered a winning score of 19 points. Sophia competed in seven qualifying events, demonstrating both consistency and commitment throughout the campaign.

Defending champion Layla, a Gunboat 72, finished second overall with 9 points after competing in three events. Third place went to Little Wing, scoring 6 points in her first Caribbean season. Sailing in five qualifying events, the Gunboat 68 Little Wing, owned by Rich McKinney quickly established herself as a competitive addition to the regional multihull fleet.

The Under 60 Feet Class once again produced close competition throughout the season. Georges Coutu’s Leopard 50 La Novia successfully defended her title, claiming back-to-back Windies Multihull Trophy victories with 17 points from four qualifying events.

Second place went to Airgasm, a Corsair 31-1D, owned by the BVI’s Barney Crook, which amassed 16 points despite competing in only two events, showcasing impressive performances whenever she took to the racecourse.

Third place was awarded to Wellness Training, the MG5, with 14 points. Wellness Training finished level on points with the ORC 50 Calamity but secured the podium position on the Windies Multihull Trophy tie-break rule, having competed in more qualifying events during the season.

Multihull action at BVI Spring Regatta

Twenty multihulls took part in the 2026 BVI Spring Regatta, with six in performance multihulls, nine in sport multihull, and five in Cruising Multihull.

John Hele and his crew on the TF 10 Thunder and Lightning had a terrific performance racing in Performance Multihull at BVI Spring Regatta for their first time. They scored three bullets over six races in tight racing to take first, beating Layla by just 1 point. Sophia finished in third with 21 points.

George Coutu on La Novia from the Dominican Republic took first overall in Cruising Multihull at the BVI Spring Regatta with five bullets and a second place over six races. Airgasm won the Sport Multihull division at the 2026 BVI Spring Regatta, a solid 11 points ahead of second place Ting A Ling II skippered by Chris Haycraft.

Windies Multihull Trophy reflects the passion and dedication of the Caribbean’s multihull sailors

CSA Measurer David Walworth, said: “The continued success of the Windies Multihull Trophy reflects the passion and dedication of the Caribbean’s multihull sailors. Congratulations to all of this season’s competitors, and especially to Sophia and La Novia for their outstanding performances.

The Caribbean continues to offer one of the world’s most diverse and exciting multihull racing circuits. From offshore races to regattas and around-the-island challenges, this season showcased the strength of our fleet and the commitment of owners and crews across the region. We congratulate all the competitors and look forward to welcoming an even stronger fleet next season.”

The Budget Marine Windies Multihull Trophy once again highlighted the strength and diversity of multihull racing across the Caribbean. The 2026 Budget Marine Windies Multihull Trophy will be formally presented during the 2027 Caribbean Multihull Challenge in February 4-7, in Sint Maarten.