The 2024 Championship of Champions brought together an exceptional group of sailors for a weekend of intense racing at the Grand Maumelle Sailing Club. Taking place from October 3-6 on the scenic waters of Lake Maumelle in Roland, Arkansas, this year’s event showcased top talent from across the nation, with competitors sailing in Y-Flyers—a class known for its speed, agility, and the tactical demands it places on both helm and crew. As one of US Sailing’s most prestigious events, the Championship of Champions delivered thrilling competition, with close races, sharp maneuvers, and a dramatic conclusion.
Challenging Conditions on Lake Maumelle
Lake Maumelle provided an ideal yet challenging backdrop for this year’s championship. Known for its shifty winds and unpredictable conditions, the venue tested each sailor’s ability to adapt on the fly. Throughout the regatta, competitors had to remain vigilant, balancing tactical decision-making with expert boat handling to stay ahead of their rivals. Races were marked by lighter winds, giving way to an eventual cancellation of racing on the final day, due to the cutoff time.
The Y-Flyer class, a responsive and agile double-handed dinghy, proved to be a perfect choice for the regatta. Its demanding nature ensured that coordination between helm and crew was crucial, adding another layer of complexity to the competition. Fleet races throughout the weekend featured tight mark roundings, intense duels, and high-speed finishes, with each race offering a showcase of the sailors’ adaptability and skill.
The Best of the Best: Elite Sailors Compete
The 2024 Championship of Champions gathered national, North American, and World champions from a variety of one-design classes, bringing a diverse array of talent to the starting line. Among the 19 competitors were past champions, Olympic sailors, and rising stars, all vying for the coveted title. A mystery guest—longstanding Etchells champion, Jim Cunningham, with crew, Max Albert—joined the fleet, adding an extra element of surprise to the already competitive event.
As the racing unfolded, David Starck and Jenna Probst emerged as one of the standout teams, showcasing their tactical prowess and strong boat handling in the Y-Flyer. Starck and Probst managed to hold off fierce competition from Arthur Blodgett and Caroline Atwood, who finished a close second after a valiant effort. This was Starck’s fourth time competing in the Championship of Champions, and his first win. 
“What a great several days here in Little Rock at an awesome event,” said Starck. “It was a great fleet, and we had a lot of luck on our side. Everything worked out for us. I want to thank our hosts, they were awesome, and US Sailing the PRO. I can’t thank US Sailing enough for the support of our sport.”
“It has been so great meeting all of the competitors from the other classes,” said Probst. “It was very puffy and very shifty, so keeping the head out of the boat and not getting too committed to a side,” she added on their keys to success this weekend.
Final Results:
1st Place: David Starck & Jenna Probst
2nd Place: Arthur Blodgett & Caroline Atwood
3rd Place: Ted Ferrarone & Meredith Killion
A Celebration of One-Design Sailing
In addition to the fierce competition on the water, the 2024 Championship of Champions highlighted the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines U.S. one-design sailing. The gathering of champions from different classes fostered a sense of community, with competitors sharing their experiences and celebrating the diversity of skills that each champion brought to the event. The Grand Maumelle Sailing Club, with its vibrant sailing community and picturesque setting, provided the perfect venue for this iconic event.
At the event, competitors enjoyed a variety of exclusive items from event partners. Sextant Wines has crafted a co-branded championship bottle and provided celebratory sparkling wine for the winner, along with wine tasting menus for all competitors. Goslings treated everyone to custom event hats and provided all of the fixings to make their famous Dark ‘n Stormy, made with Black Seal Rum and Ginger Beer, including the special Peach Ginger Beer. Additionally, Gill Marine equipped the sailors with essential marine tools and stylish waterproof beanies, ensuring they’re well-prepared for both performance and comfort on the water.
“We love hosting Championship of Champions,” said Drew Daugherty, Regatta Chair. “The difference between us and some of the bigger clubs on the coast is we are a volunteer club, so we are thrilled to do this. I bet 50 percent of our members are doing something.”
To other clubs that are considering hosting this event in the future, Daugherty says, “You gotta do it! Especially if you are an inland club because it’s really neat. I know so many great sailors just from doing this then you go anywhere around the country, and you remember them. I am so proud of our club and our members.”
As the final races concluded and the awards were presented, there was a shared appreciation for the level of competition and the high standard of racing throughout the weekend. The Championship of Champions once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated events on the U.S. sailing calendar, bringing together the best sailors from across the country for a unique and exhilarating regatta.
For full results, photos, and more details on the 2024 Championship of Champions, visit ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-championship-of-champions