13/09/2026
“Gratitude and Joy” was our team motto for J/70 Worlds in magnificent Cascais. My heart is full of both. 22nd of 102 boats. The highlight was a bullet in the windiest one design race I’ve ever sailed, 30+ sustained with gusts in the 40s. Congrats to Ocean Pact for the overall win and Marnatura, and Chicago’s own Empeiria for the podium!
Worlds marks the finale for the Callisto J/70 program. When Will Howard suggested the concept three years ago, the plan was simple: assemble a killer squad, travel to sick places, sail fast, have fun, and stay friends. By those metrics it has been a wildly successful run.
Our other goal was to become better sailors. Wins in the Chicago NOOD and Verve Cup, the U.S. Nationals and One-Pro North Americans, along with thirds at Midwinters and Mixed+ Worlds, a fifth at Europeans, and a race win at Worlds, also check that box.
We were fortunate to sail in such a fun, vibrant global fleet in some incredible venues, from Lake Michigan to Biscayne Bay, Sandhamn to Lake Garda, Copenhagen to the incomparable Portugese coast.
Numerous angels above me made this all possible. Much love and gratitude to our fearless navigator Zeke Horowitz, our beast of a trimmer Will Felder, and our ace bowman Steve Leuck for an incredible season in Miami and Europe. Portugal wouldn’t have been the same without round the clock moral and caloric support from LeeAnn Leuck and Will Howard.
Special shoutout to Kate for encouraging me embark on such an odyssey, searching for the meaning of it all by reconnecting with one design racing, and for her support every step of the way!
Team Callisto now shifts our focus to the Admiral’s Cup campaign aboard the Fast 40. We will be back in one design before too long. We’ve got the bug … stay tuned!
