Decades after honing their craft along the banks of the Severn River, a crew of U.S. Naval Academy alumni proved that the Navy sailing mindset only grows sharper with age. Sailing aboard Hedgehog, skipper Alec Cutler '88 and crewmen Charles Pucciariello '89, Keith Davids '90, and Brad Rodi '93 defended their title at the 2026 J/70 Corinthian World Championship in Marseille, France, claiming back-to-back world titles by a commanding 10-point margin.

Hosted by Club La Pelle and Union Nautique Marseillaise, the event brought together 88 elite teams from 20 nations for five grueling days of racing. The J/70 class, a high-performance, 24-foot boat crewed by four to five sailors, represents the largest and most competitive keelboat class in the sailing community. The Corinthian World Championship, specifically, spotlights top amateur sailors, putting tactical poise and team chemistry to the ultimate test.

The Mediterranean Sea tested the fleet with technical, highly variable conditions. After a throw-away 27th-place finish in the opening heat, the veteran Hedgehog crew locked in, putting together remarkably steady placings: 2, 1, 2, 11, 4, and 3 to finish with just 23 net points.

"No matter where we go, we are always the oldest crew racing," Alec Cutler remarked. "At Navy, we all trained under Coach Gary Bodie, so we speak the same sailing language which is a huge advantage."

The victory builds on their championship performance in Marblehead, Mass. in 2025. Last year's winning roster featured Ryan Cox '95, in place of Keith Davids.

"We traded a SEAL Lieutenant for a SEAL Admiral," Cutler joked, referencing Davids' distinguished military career.

Among the star-studded crew, they collectively earned 12 All-America honors while at Navy, with Brad Rodi twice named College Sailor of the Year.

The connection among these midshipmen-turned-champion-sailors extends far and wide. Over the years, members of this group have launched U.S. Olympic team trials together, spent decades competing in international fleets, and continued giving back to the Naval Academy. Alec, Keith, and Brad all serve on the USNA Fales Committee, advising the Superintendent on all things sailing, to include professional development, fleet management, and the sailing teams.

"We all sailed together in college," said Cutler. "It's very special to be able to sail with your friends. It's the way Corinthian sailing should be. We very much enjoy our time together, and the sailing is just a bonus."

Having conquered the amateur realm for two consecutive years, this group of Navy sailors isn't slowing down. In two weeks, Hedgehog sets sail for Cascais, Portugal, where they will go head-to-head against the world's top professional teams at the J/70 Open World Championships.

Navy Sailing Alumni: Don't forget to register for the 2026 Friends of Navy Sailing Weekend, September 18-19!