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Ian Williams to miss Congressional Cup
French skipper Aurélien Pierroz to replace the 9-time world champion at the prestigious sailing event.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:49pm
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After the opening event in China, the World Match Racing Tour now moves to the USA for the 2026 Congressional Cup on April 29-May 3 in Long Beach, CA. However, a scratch in the announced line-up has the seemingly ageless Ian Williams from Great Britain no longer participating.
Why it matters
The Congressional Cup is one of the most prestigious match racing events in sailing, and Williams' absence will be felt as he is a 9-time world champion and 5-time winner of the event. This opens the door for up-and-coming French skipper Aurélien Pierroz to make his mark on the prestigious regatta.
The details
Williams, who has competed at the Congressional Cup 13 times and won the Crimson Blazer 5 times since 2011, will be replaced by French skipper Aurélien Pierroz. Pierroz, currently ranked 5th in the world by World Sailing, is a two-time French Youth Match Racing Champion and the 2023 Open French Match Racing Champion. He has finished 4th at the Ficker Cup and 6th at the Congressional Cup in previous years.
- The 2026 Congressional Cup will take place from April 29 to May 3 in Long Beach, CA.
- Ian Williams has competed at the Congressional Cup 13 times, first winning the Crimson Blazer in 2011.
The players
Ian Williams
A 9-time World Match Racing Champion and 5-time Congressional Cup winner from Great Britain.
Aurélien Pierroz
A French skipper currently ranked 5th in the world by World Sailing, who is a two-time French Youth Match Racing Champion and the 2023 Open French Match Racing Champion.
What’s next
The 2026 Congressional Cup will take place from April 29 to May 3 in Long Beach, CA, where Aurélien Pierroz will make his debut at the prestigious event.
The takeaway
The absence of Ian Williams, a sailing legend with 9 world titles and 5 Congressional Cup wins, opens the door for up-and-coming French skipper Aurélien Pierroz to make his mark at one of the most prestigious match racing events in the sport.
