Located in the heart of San Francisco, the St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) is one of the premier sailing clubs in the United States and a leader in WingFoiling. Established in 1927, the club has grown to become a beacon for sailors from around the world, known for its rich history, stunning location, and vibrant sailing community.
StFYC is set to host the 2024 U.S. WingFoil Championship, the inaugural rendition of the event August 9 – 11, 2024.
“We are creating the first ever US National Championship for WingFoiling, the sailing world’s newest and most dynamic sport,” said Geoff Headington, US WingFoil Championship Committee Chair. “StFYC has been at the forefront of the sport’s development, and the team has been planning the Championship for more than a year.”
“Dozens of members and staff have been participating in weekly WingFoiling series held throughout the summer,” said StFYC’s race director, Felix Weidling.
St. Francis Yacht Club was founded by a group of San Francisco sailors who envisioned a club dedicated to the spirit of yachting. The club’s first clubhouse was a modest facility located on the city’s waterfront. Over the years, the club expanded and modernized, eventually relocating to its current iconic location on the Marina Green, with a picturesque view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
“The committee and I are planning three full days of racing across windward leeward, slalom, and long-distance courses, as well as plenty of off-the-water activities. We will also be showcasing the cutting edge of the sport through freestyle exhibitions and discussion panels,” Says Headington.
St. Francis Yacht Club’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operations. The club’s staff, from the professional race management team to the culinary experts in the kitchen, provide the highest level of service to members and guests alike. This dedication extends to the club’s role in promoting the sport of sailing and supporting the broader maritime community through hosting events, such as the WingFoil Championship.
“WingFoiling has a bright future, and the St. Francis Yacht Club is committed to supporting it,” said Headington. “We are excited to play a role in developing the sport here in the US and hope to coordinate with partners here and globally to follow the path blazed by formula kite racing, which is in the Olympic Games for the first time in 2024.”
As St. Francis Yacht Club approaches its centennial, it continues to evolve and innovate while staying true to its rich heritage. The Headington’s vision for the future includes plans to “support WingFoiling with a strong foundation of competition in the US, so that our US athletes have the experience needed to compete on the world stage and non-US competitors are attracted to visit our shores.”
For more details, visit the official event page: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-wingfoil-championship/