Beyond the excitement on the water, the event is also making waves in the local economy, bringing an economic boost during what is typically a slower tourism season.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The 2025 U.S. Multihull Championship has taken over the Corpus Christi Bay, drawing about 85 sailors from across the country, and beyond, for four days of high-performance racing.

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This year marks the event’s 40th anniversary, and it’s breaking records as the largest U.S. Sailing Adult Championship of 2025, bringing competitors from 25 states and three countries to the Coastal Bend.

Beyond the excitement on the water, the event is also making waves in the local economy, bringing an economic boost during what is typically a slower tourism season.

“We look around the beach here, and we’ll see a lot of sailors doing measurements and tuning on their boats,” said Ben Wells, Co-Chair of the championship and President of the Formula Wave Class.

Before setting sail, Wells led preparations on the beach, showing how competitors fine-tuned their sails and boats.

“Take a look at the curve of the sail and take the shape. If we see the shape, it has a nice pocket coming through here, wind flowing across all parts of it really well,” Wells said. “Behind us, we have roughly 85 boats, which each boat has one competitor.”

This year’s regatta, co-hosted by the Corpus Christi Yacht Club and the Formula Wave Class, has given sailors the chance to experience one of the Gulf Coast’s premier sailing destinations.

“We’re really grateful for the city of Corpus Christi and our host hotel here,” Wells said. “Everyone’s been very accommodating. We’re partnering with the Corpus Christi Yacht Club, and they’ve run very good races.”

America Segura with Visit Corpus Christi said hosting such a major event is a welcomed boost for the Coastal Bend.

“This event is making waves not only on the water, it’s also making waves in our local economy, with more than $200,000 in economic impact for Corpus Christi,” Segura said. “We’re a year-round beach destination, and there aren’t many places in the world where you can sail in perfect conditions this time of year,” she added. “We have just the right mix of wind, sun, and beaches.”

Wells said organizers are also focused on sustainability, partnering with local environmental groups to keep the shoreline clean.

“We’re partnering with the Texas Coastal Bend Surf Rider Organization for our sustainability plan,” Wells said. “Every day we’re doing beach cleanups and taking efforts to reduce plastics. We’re really proud that we’re leaving it cleaner than when we got here.”

The last time the championship came to the Coastal Bend was in 2021. Organizers say they’ve enjoyed their return to Corpus Christi and hope to continue the partnership in future years.

“It’s a beautiful city,” Wells said. “Everybody likes being on the Gulf, so it’s great to showcase this area and bring this many competitors here.”