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Hometown Hero: Joel Ronning's Catapult Wins 2025 J/70 U.S. National Championship on Lake Minnetonka

by Hannah Lee Noll 19 May 00:54 UTC May 17-18, 2025
Joel Ronning's Catapult wins the 2025 J/70 U.S. National Championship on Lake Minnetonka? © Hannah Lee Noll

After five races in a full range of breeze, Joel Ronning's Catapult team won the 2025 J/70 U.S. National Championship on home waters in Wayzata, Minnesota.

Ronning, sailing in a One-Pro configuration with longtime teammate Victor Diaz de Leon, David Onan, and Jessica Haverstock, secured the title with a race win on the final day, capping off a weekend that showcased the best of inland lake sailing.

"I love this lake on days like today," said Ronning. "It was shifty, challenging, and a lot of fun. It's really special to have this championship here on our home waters with so many local friends and fleet members."

The regatta drew nearly 35 teams to Lake Minnetonka, including a strong mix of local and visiting crews, with a focus on Corinthian and Mixed+ participation.

Overall Podium:

1. Catapult - Joel Ronning
2. Supper Club - Dick Kalow
3. Derecho - James Golden

Division Champions:

  • Overall: Catapult - Joel Ronning
  • One-Pro: Catapult - Joel Ronning
  • Corinthian: Hedgehog - Alec Cutler
  • Mixed+: Casting Couch - Cate Muller-Terhune

The U.S. National Championship was created as a new addition to the J/70 calendar, designed to rotate locations around the country and support local fleet growth. The fleet raced four heavy air races on Saturday and one final race on Sunday before the breeze shut off.

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