Date: June 22-25, 2024
Location: Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island
Organized by: US Sailing
The 2024 U.S. Youth Championship, presented by SouthCoast Wind, is set to take place from June 22 to June 25 at Roger Williams University in the picturesque coastal town of Bristol, Rhode Island. As the pinnacle event for youth sailing in the United States, the Youth Champs will showcase nearly 200 of the nation’s top young sailors, along with 25 coaches, in a high-stakes competition featuring some of the most challenging and high-performance boat classes available to youth racers.
The U.S. Youth Sailing Championship was started in 1973 at the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club in Wilmette, IL. The top youth sailors from around the country were sent invitations to attend the event in Lasers and 470s in mid-June. Over fifty years later, U.S. Youth Championship remains US Sailing’s pinnacle youth regatta, featuring the nation’s top competitors racing in seven performance boat classes.
This year’s championship promises to be particularly exciting, as it is an “open” event, meaning that no application or invitation process is required for eligibility. This open format ensures a wide and diverse range of competitors. Participants hailfrom all over North America, bringing a wealth of talent and competition to the waters of Bristol.
Boat Classes
The championship will feature competition in the following boat classes:
- International 420
- 29er
- Nacra 15
- ILCA 6
- ILCA 7
- iQFOiL Youth & Junior
These classes represent the highest level of youth sailing, demanding exceptional skill, strategy, and athleticism from all competitors.
Schedule
- June 22: Practice Day – Sailors will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local conditions and fine-tune their boats and strategies.
- June 23-25: Racing Days – Three days of intense racing will determine the champions in each class.
Highlights
- First-Time Competitors: With 84 first-time participants, the event will feature fresh talent and new rivalries, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.
- All-Female Teams: In the doublehanded classes, there are 13 all-female teams, highlighting the growth of women competitors in the sport.
- Pre-Training: From June 17-21, teams have the opportunity to practice at the venue and collaborate with US Sailing staff including Olympic Development Program Manager, Rosie Chapman, and Youth Performance Manager, Phil Muller.
Venue
Roger Williams University provides an ideal setting for this premier event, with its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location on Mount Hope Bay. The university’s waterfront campus offers excellent vantage points for spectators to watch the action unfold.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 U.S. Youth Championship promises to be an unforgettable event, bringing together the best young sailors from across North America to compete in a series of thrilling races. With a mix of seasoned competitors and enthusiastic newcomers, the Youth Champs will undoubtedly showcase the future stars of sailing. Don’t miss the chance to witness the excitement and skill of these young athletes as they vie for the top honors in youth sailing.
For more information and to keep up with the action in Bristol, see HERE and follow US Sailing on social media @ussailing 