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Credits: Hanna Lee Noll
The Next Generation: A World Championship Podium.
From sail development and the Lipton Challenge Cup to third place at the 2026 J/22 Worlds.
Following two years of dedicated design, development and on-water testing, Ullman Sails’ next generation of J/22 sails has reached an exciting milestone: a podium finish at the World Championship.
We've followed the design work, the testing and the racing at the Lipton Challenge Cup in Cape Town. In October, the story continued across the Atlantic, where 46 teams gathered at Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans for the 2026 J/22 World Championship.
And there was plenty to celebrate.
THIRD PLACE FOR DEFIANCE
Mike Gemperline and the crew of Defiance secured third overall, finishing on 25 points after seven races.
With challenging conditions on Lake Pontchartrain and an approaching tropical weather system bringing the championship to an early close, every race counted.
Behind the result was a strong team effort. Megan Roach on trim, Michaela O'Donnell contributing to strategy and Abby Cook working the bow all played their part, with Greg Koski (Ullman Sails Annapolis) coaching the team throughout the campaign.
FROM DEVELOPMENT TO THE WORLD STAGE
Throughout the year, we've shared the work behind Ullman's latest J/22 sail designs, including Matt Trautman's hands-on racing and development experience and Lars Bo's aerodynamic expertise.
The goal has been to refine how the mainsail and jib work together, reduce drag and develop sails that respond to the way these boats are actually raced.
With Defiance competing on a newly designed Ullman sail package, the World Championship offered another opportunity to put that work into practice.
Greg's involvement also brought an important connection between the wider development programme and the American J/22 fleet.
A FITTING FINISH TO THE CAMPAIGN
A third-place finish at a World Championship is a tremendous achievement for any crew, and an encouraging milestone for everyone involved in Ullman's J/22 development.
From the loft to the racecourse, and from Cape Town to New Orleans, this year's journey has been shaped by sailors who share a passion for the class and a determination to keep improving.
Congratulations to Mikey, the entire Defiance crew and Greg on a fantastic result.
SAIL FAST. HAVE FUN. MAKE FRIENDS!
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