BNAC 2025: Big Wind Shifts, Big Lake, and Big Smiles in Alaska
Buccaneer 18 North American Championship – July 8–13, 2025 | Big Lake, Alaska
BNAC 2025 was a regatta for the books—not just because of where it was held, but because of how it brought the Buccaneer 18 community together in a way few events ever have. For the first time since Mississauga, Ontario in 2007, the North American Championship left the Lower 48, heading north to the stunning waters of Big Lake, Alaska.
This year’s event brought together 26 sailors from the Lower 48, joined by 14 Alaskan competitors and 2 Canadians. Crews came from near and far—many with families in tow—to share in this extraordinary adventure. What awaited them was a perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and the wild beauty of Alaska.
Alaskan Welcome and Orientation – Tuesday, July 8
The week opened with friendly registration, open sailing, and practice races that gave visiting sailors their first taste of Big Lake. The 12 Buccaneer 18s—loaned and lovingly prepped by the Alaska Sailing Club (ASC)—were similarly equipped, with the most noticeable differences coming from a mix of sails from several makers. Thanks to weeks of effort by Steve Ryan, who was honored with the Quaich Trophy, the boats were in excellent shape and ready for racing.
Dave and Elane opened their cabin’s deck and hilltop gathering spot, creating scenic, panoramic viewing platforms. These high vantage points gave guests and shore crew a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the racecourse throughout the week.
That evening, sailors convened at the Susitna Brewing Company for the traditional banquet and the Buccaneer Class National Meeting. Amid great food and laughter, two amendments to the class racing rules were discussed, voted on, and passed—demonstrating the class’s commitment to progress while keeping things fun.
Racing Begins – Wednesday, July 9
As expected in Alaska, the wind didn’t arrive until the afternoon—but when it did, it delivered exactly what the pirates came for: fun, fierce competition, and a great challenge. With shifting angles and changes in velocity that kept crews on their toes. Sailors had to shift gears constantly, rewarding those who could adapt on the fly and stay in sync with the ever-changing conditions. Round robin racing began with A-Fleet getting in three exciting races. John Weiss and Jay Foght made an early statement, winning two of the three. B-Fleet managed two solid races before time ran out, ending the day with a rare three-way tie for first between Mike & John Aubrey, Gabe Black & Adrianna Ramirez, and Trevor & Rachel Bach.
Four Races, One Mishap – Thursday, July 10
With the afternoon breeze arriving early, A-Fleet got right to work, completing four races under a sky filled with sunshine and the occasional seaplane overhead. Weiss and Foght maintained their grip on the leaderboard with sharp sailing and smart tactics.
But the day wasn’t without drama: Ed Mantano and Shannon Devine suffered a broken tiller and had to retire from Race 5. The ASC tech team sprang into action, replacing the entire rudder assembly between heats with impressive speed—getting the boat back on course in time for the next race.
B-Fleet Steps Up – Friday, July 11
Friday belonged to the B-Fleet. In steady afternoon winds, the fleet logged five races—showcasing grit and growth throughout the day. Trevor and Rachel Bach delivered a remarkably consistent performance to emerge with a narrow lead. Gabe Black and Adrianna Ramirez, who ended the day with a win, remained close on their heels heading into the final races.
The Big Shuffle – Saturday, July 12
Saturday saw both fleets on the water together for the final round of round robin racing. The format ensured that every sailor competed in every boat at least once—creating one of the most level and strategy-driven championships in recent class memory.
A-Fleet completed their 12-race series, and B-Fleet wrapped up their 9-race program. The standout moment of the day was Evan and Elizabeth Scott’s thrilling, come-from-behind win in the final A-Fleet race—an exciting finish that had a major impact on the final standings.
(Watch it here:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EEV9Deft7hM )
Champions Crowned – Sunday, July 13
After a pancake breakfast served by ASC’s teenage sailors, the class gathered lakeside for the awards ceremony, which was live-streamed by the Buccaneer Class publicity team for fans back home.
In A-Fleet, John Weiss and Jay Foght claimed the championship title by a razor-thin 0.3-point margin—an incredible feat given the parity created by the boat-swapping format. B-Fleet saw Trevor and Rachel Bach take the top podium spot, capping off a week of sharp sailing and steady performance.
The event concluded with a lighthearted “Fun Race” around the islands, with mixed crews of one Alaskan and one Lower 48 sailor in each boat. It was the perfect finale to a week defined by connection, discovery, and shared joy on the water.
Off the Water and Into the Wild
Beyond the racecourse, BNAC 2025 was a full-sensory Alaskan experience. Sailors fished from the docks, swam in the cool, clear waters of Big Lake, and soaked in the lakeside sauna after long days on the water. Seaplanes buzzed the course almost daily, occasionally drifting close enough to make things interesting. Families explored nearby trails and towns, while spectators enjoyed front-row views of the action thanks to Dave and Elane’s generous hospitality and scenic perch.
Don’t Miss BNAC 2026!
BNAC 2025 proved that the Buccaneer 18 Class is more than a racing fleet—it’s a community with a spirit for adventure.
Whether you’re a long-time racer, thinking about coming back to the fleet, or a novice looking for help to improve your sailing, make plans now to attend BNAC 2026, which will be held in Solomons Island, MD, hosted by the Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA)—always one of our most attended and celebrated venues.
With a growing class, a renewed sense of momentum, and a tradition of great venues and greater friendships, there’s never been a better time to be a Buccaneer sailor.
Fair winds, and we’ll see you next summer!