Event Preview: 2024 U.S. Match Racing Championship
Note: This event will be livestreamed on Sunday, October 6 at ussailing.org/livestream
The 2024 U.S. Match Racing Championship is gearing up to deliver an intense showdown on San Francisco Bay. Hosted by the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club, this event promises high-octane match racing with some of the best sailors in the nation. Known for its strategic depth and head-to-head duels, match racing requires sharp tactics and precise boat handling, making this championship a must-watch for sailing enthusiasts.
St. Francis Yacht Club, renowned for its challenging conditions and iconic views, offers the perfect stage for this competition. With strong currents and variable winds, sailors will need to bring their A-game to adapt quickly to the dynamic environment. The Bay’s tricky waters will test even the most experienced teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the races.
The championship will feature a round-robin format, ensuring that each team gets the chance to compete against all their rivals. This format highlights consistency and adaptability, as teams must be able to adjust their strategies on the fly. The top teams will advance to the knockout stages, where the pressure ramps up with elimination matches leading to the final showdown.
Spectators can expect to see a blend of aggressive maneuvers and tactical finesse as sailors engage in pre-start duels and close-quarters racing. Match racing is unique in its focus on direct competition between two boats, creating a captivating spectacle of strategy and skill. Every decision, from controlling the start to executing tight mark roundings, can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Beyond the competition, the event will also serve as a gathering of the sailing community, with participants and spectators alike sharing in the camaraderie and passion for the sport. The St. Francis Yacht Club, with its rich history and dedication to sailing excellence, will provide an exceptional experience both on and off the water.
Teams to Watch
Nicole Breault
A St. Francis Yacht Club member, Breault comes to the event with home field advantage to prove that women are a force to be reckoned with in match racing. She is a four-time U.S. Womens Match Racing Champion and has competed in numerous coed U.S. Match Racing Championships as well. Breault is joined by crew, Molly Carapiet, Sam Reynolds, and Will Paulsen.
Peter Holz
Holz joins the event from the match racing hub of Chicago, where he just recently served as the Regatta Chair for the 2024 U.S. Womens Match Racing Championship at Chicago Yacht Club. As the 2021 U.S. Match Racing Champion, his team arrives on scene with purpose to win, 3 years later. Holz is sailing with the well-aligned team of Ellis Tonissi, Alex Curtiss, Jon Hammond.
Morgan Pinckney
Pinckney is the youngest helmsperson at the 2024 U.S. Match Racing Championship. A current sophomore on the Yale Sailing Team, he hails from Newport Beach California and is back on the West Coast to compete. Pinckney is no newcomer to high-level match racing, as he and team won the 2024 U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship in June. Pinckney is joined by crew Shawn Bennett, Teddy McDonough, and Benjamin Louttit.
Chris Poole
Poole returns to the event this year in search of a repeat win, after being crowned champion in 2023. As the skipper of Riptide Racing, he has achieved impressive rankings on the international match racing circuit. Poole’s dedication to the sport and consistent performance have made him a respected figure in sailing communities worldwide.
“The match racing community is a fun and dedicated group of sailors,” said Karen Butler, U.S. Team Racing Championship Committee Chair. “I enjoy working with the people involved with match racing.”
With a talented field of competitors and the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay as the backdrop, the 2024 U.S. Match Racing Championship is poised to be an unforgettable event. It’s not just a race; it’s a battle of wits and skill that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Catch the excitement of the 2024 U.S. Match Racing Championship live! Thanks to our sponsor, GoPro, you can watch every thrilling moment of the action as top sailors battle it out on the water. Tune in to our livestream to experience the race up close, with dynamic on-board and aerial views captured by GoPro’s state-of-the-art cameras. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the intensity of championship sailing from the best seat in the house—wherever you are! Check it out at ussailing.org/livestream
For results, livestream, photos, and more information, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-match-racing-championship/