Thrilling Day 3: A Race to the Semifinals at the Santa Maria Cup, Women's World Match Racing Tour 2026

The Santa Maria Cup, a prestigious tournament in the 2026 Women’s World Match Racing Tour, marked noteworthy performances on its third day. Four teams advanced to the semifinals following a scintillating round-robin qualifier. Santa Maria Cup defender Allie Blecher (USA), Swedes Anna Östling and Martina Carlsson, and Julia Aartsen hailing from the Netherlands emerged victorious from the ten-team fleet. After a delayed start due to high temperatures, the knockout rounds were duly confirmed in the afternoon.

Right off the historic United States Naval Academy, the venue witnessed another day of intense racing with breakthrough performances from Lily Xu Lijia of China. Despite it being her first Women’s World Match Racing Tour event, Olympic Gold Medallist Xu claimed an impressive victory over former Santa Maria Cup winner, Anna Östling.

Meanwhile, Anna Östling’s Team Wings delivered an unforgettable display of skill and sportsmanship, earning them fourteen overall victories and second place in the round robin phase. Hot on the heels and only one point behind was Martina Carlsson’s Beyond Racing Team, whose impressive performance qualified them for the semifinals.

Dutch skipper Julia Aartsen comfortably secured a semifinal spot with a commendable tally of thirteen wins. The semi-final round in the Santa Maria Cup is set to be an exhilarating display of skill, courage, and passion towards sailing.