Three Seasons of Growth: Team Chao Pescao
The Rolex Big Boat Series is the ultimate test for elite racers on San Francisco Bay. As it nears, anticipation builds. For Paolo Juvara and his crew aboard the J/105 Chao Pescao, this year’s event is more than a competition; it’s the culmination of a three-year journey of dedication and relentless improvement.
Each season, the team has ascended a new layer of the "racing skills pyramid," a concept famously outlined by author Bill Gladstone. The first year was about mastering boat handling—the crucial foundation for any successful crew. The second focused on perfecting boat speed, squeezing every ounce of performance from their vessel. Now, entering their third Rolex Big Boat Series, the focus is squarely on the most complex and critical element: tactics.
“Sailing has an almost infinite learning curve,” explains Juvara. “As soon as you think you’ve mastered something, you discover a whole new level ahead.” While the team is confident in their handling and has improved their speed, Juvara admits they are still learning the intricate dance of on-the-water strategy. This year, they are embracing that challenge head-on.
A New Tactical Mindset
A key change for the 2025 season is the appointment of mainsail trimmer Pablo Vergara as the team's tactician. This strategic move allows Juvara, the owner and driver, to focus solely on steering the boat fast. “It removed a lot of cognitive load,” Juvara notes, “allowing me to focus on driving well.”
The team now begins each race with a pre-race strategy session, systematically analyzing the conditions to make a plan. This shift from reactive sailing to proactive, tactical decision-making is a significant step forward, one they hope will pay dividends in the notoriously competitive J/105 fleet.
Prepared for Anything
The J/105 fleet at the Rolex Big Boat Series is aggressive and unforgiving, with nearly 30 boats vying for position. As Juvara puts it, "There are very intense moments, both at the start and at the rounding marks, with very skilled sailors pushing each other to the limit and boats tacking and gybing inches apart." This is a level of intensity that can only be learned through direct experience, and after two years, Team Chao Pescao is ready.
The team's preparation goes beyond skill-building. Chao Pescao has received a comprehensive overhaul for the season, including a new, high-end racing bottom, a new jib furler, and upgraded rigging and electronics. These investments reflect the team's commitment to performing at the highest level.
However, a new lesson learned from a season of unusually high winds has been the importance of safety. With reports of equipment failures and injuries across the fleet, the Chao Pescao crew has implemented a strict new policy: they will not race in sustained winds over 25 knots, and they will retire if any crew member feels unsafe. It's a testament to the team's maturity and focus on each other's well-being.
The Modern Sailing Pipeline
The story of Chao Pescao is also a testament to the success of Modern Sailing's racing program. Every member of the crew—from the seasoned owner-driver to the newest recruit—has come through the program’s clinics or Club Race Teams. This creates a powerful feedback loop: aspiring racers get a clear pathway to high-level competition, and Juvara has a reliable pipeline of skilled, like-minded sailors who share his passion.
As they line up for the start, Paolo Juvara and his crew on Chao Pescao have their sights set not on a specific position, but on sailing their absolute best. While a top-fifteen finish in at least one race would be a win, their real success is already secured—in the lessons learned, the improvements made, and the strong, cohesive team they’ve become.
Following the series, the team will continue their training through the fall and winter, a clear sign that this journey is far from over. This year’s Rolex Big Boat Series will be the greatest test yet of their tactical growth and newfound confidence, and the sailing community will be watching with anticipation.
2025 Team Chao Pescao members are:
- Joseph Daniels
- Andrei Larionescu
- Rebekah Moses
- Tom Steinbach
- Pablo Vergara
- Paolo Juvara
