After a thrilling week of world-class match racing, spirited sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments on and off the water, the 2025 Santa Maria Cup has officially come to a close. We are excited to announce that Team Baam (USA), skippered by Allie Blecher and crewed by Beka Schiff, Rose Edwards, and Ali Blumenthal Stokes, are your 2025 champions!
In Saturday’s light and tactical conditions, Team Baam defeated Vela Racing (USA), led by Nicole Breault with crew Evan Brown Cahill, McKenzie Wilson, and Julie Mitchell, in three straight races to secure the title. With patience, precision, and poise, Blecher and her team found the speed when it mattered and stayed a step ahead in each match.
“It was super light and very stressful in each match, but I’m fortunate to have a team that keeps me calm and collected,” said Blecher. “We were just able to keep our bow down and stay ahead. We’re thrilled with this win!”
Breault graciously reflected on the match:
“The better team won today. It was tricky out there, and although we were close, Team Baam found a little extra where it counted. Congratulations to them!”
Earlier in the afternoon, defending champions Team Wings from Sweden, skippered by Anna Östling, bounced back from their semifinal loss to beat Juliet Costanzo’s Easy Tiger Racing (AUS) 2-0 in the petit-final and secure the final podium spot.
Celebrating All the Teams
This year’s regatta brought together an impressive field of athletes representing Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Every team pushed the racing to a higher level and brought their own style and energy to the week. Congratulations to our 2025 competitors:
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Allie Blecher, Beka Schiff, Rose Edwards, Ali Blumenthal Stokes
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Anna Östling, Linnéa Wennergren, Annika Carlunger, Svea Sahlin
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Juliet Costanzo, Sarah Parker, Clare Costanzo, Rachel Bower
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Ella Willcox, Gwynie Dunleavy, Miia Newman, Sydney Monahan
A Global Stage for Women’s Match Racing
The Santa Maria Cup is proud to be an official event of the Women’s World Match Racing Tour — a professional sailing series that showcases the best women match racers around the globe. Now in its second year as part of the Tour, the Santa Maria Cup continues to attract top international talent, and we’re honored to be part of the movement driving visibility and opportunity for women in the sport.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Tour’s leadership and staff for their continued support, collaboration, and passion for growing this sport. To learn more about the Women’s World Match Racing Tour and follow the rest of the 2025 season, visit: www.womenswmrt.com
A Week to Remember
After returning from a 10-year hiatus in 2023, the Santa Maria Cup has once again proven itself as a vital, vibrant, and world-class event on the international women’s sailing calendar. From the tight races and breezy debriefs to unexpected moments (including a pirate ship sailing through the course!), this year’s event was packed with the kind of moments that make sailing unforgettable.
We extend our deepest thanks to our Principal Race Officer Sandy Grosvenor, our umpires and race committee, and the Eastport Yacht Club and its amazing volunteers for making this event possible. Special thanks to Mount Gay Rum, New England Ropes, Choptank, Davis’, Evolution Sails, SpinSheet Magazine, Naval Bagels, and our many local partners for their sponsorship and continued support.
Looking Ahead
As the second stop of the 2025 Women’s World Match Racing Tour, the Santa Maria Cup helped set the tone for a season that’s already heating up. With over 50 female athletes already having competed across San Francisco and Annapolis, we’re proud to see this level of global engagement and competition.
We are incredibly grateful to all the sailors, volunteers, fans, sponsors, and organizers who brought this event to life. Your energy and commitment continue to inspire us.
As we reflect on a remarkable week in Annapolis, we’re already looking forward to next year. Here’s another thrilling chapter in 2026!
Fair winds and thank you from all of us,
– The Santa Maria Cup Team