Northstar III Wins 2026 Rolex IMA Maxi Grand Prix World Title

Northstar III secured the 2026 Rolex IMA Maxi Grand Prix World Championship with a race to spare at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo. The new JV76 owned by YCCS member Peter Dubens built an uncatchable advantage after opening the series with four consecutive victories.

The title was mathematically confirmed on 11 September during the fourth and penultimate day of racing. Strong mistral conditions produced winds of 18 to 23 knots with gusts reaching 28 knots.

Four opening victories created the decisive margin

Northstar III entered the day with a dominant record after winning the first four races of her Maxi Grand Prix campaign. Jolt responded by winning both windward-leeward races, but Northstar III's fifth and fourth places were sufficient to put the title beyond reach.

At that point Northstar III led on 13 points, ahead of Jolt on 21 and Balthasar on 23. The arithmetic meant the championship no longer depended on the concluding race.

A championship on the yacht's event debut

The result is particularly significant because the JV76 was making her debut at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Winning a world title in the yacht's first appearance at Porto Cervo provides an immediate competitive benchmark for the programme.

Tactician Nick Rogers described the result as the culmination of extensive work by the team and project personnel, while also noting that the crew still sees further performance potential.

Porto Cervo delivers a heavy-weather test

The mistral changed the character of the regatta after lighter opening conditions. Maxi Grand Prix yachts faced demanding racing off Porto Cervo that tested both boat handling and tactical consistency.

Northstar III subsequently returned to winning form in the final coastal race, but the championship itself had already been secured with a race to spare.