Are you ready to elevate your match racing game? The US Sailing Match Racing Committee is thrilled to offer the David Storrs US Sailing Match Racing Grant Program, designed to support passionate teams looking to
compete at a higher level.
This competitive grant program provides reimbursement of up to $5,000 per team to cover entry fees, travel expenses, and lodging for an entire year. In addition to financial support, each selected team will receive guidance from an experienced mentor, offering invaluable advice to ensure a successful match racing campaign.
One male skipper and one female skipper will be chosen for this exciting opportunity, and applicants are encouraged to apply with a team in mind.
“As a mentor for the David Storrs Grant, I was honored to work with two developing female match race teams,” said Janel Zarkowsky Martin. “We started with quick phone calls to get to know each other, Zoom meetings to plan schedules and play out tactics, culminating in racing against each other at the 2024 US Women’s Match Racing Championship at Chicago Yacht Club! What really made me excited was the texts this fall and winter from my mentees asking, ‘what’s the schedule in 2025?!’ The David Storrs Grant is a perfect fit into the US Sailing Match Racing Committee’s long-term goals of making the discipline affordable and welcoming.”
What You’ll Need to Apply
To submit your Letter of Application, complete the form and provide the following:
- Sailing Resumes: Your match racing experience, current ranking, and major accomplishments, as well as information about your teammates.
- Team Details: Designate a team captain who will act as the primary contact.
- Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation from sailing references (no relatives).
- Campaign Schedule: Include each event’s match racing grading level.
- Detailed Budget: A breakdown of expenses for your proposed campaign.
- Personal Letter: Share why you are applying, what this grant means to you, and how you meet the selection criteria.
Important Dates
- Application Period: January 15 – April 1
- Grant Awardees Announced: On or about April 15
2024 Recipient Testimonials
Caroline Bayless
I am incredibly grateful for the David Storrs Grant, as it provided the financial support I needed to continue competing at the highest level in sailing after graduating from college. The grant allowed my team and me to participate in multiple events, a crucial step in advancing our careers in match racing. One of the most impactful aspects of receiving the grant was the opportunity to work with amazing mentors, such as Janel Zarkowsky, who has been instrumental in refining my skills and helping me grow as a sailor. The hands-on guidance and support have been invaluable in my pursuit of becoming a top-ranked match racer. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made thus far, and while I still have a long way to go, the grant gave me the momentum to begin my match racing journey with confidence. What I appreciated most about the grant was not just the financial backing, but also the sense of belonging and encouragement it provided as I transitioned from college sailing to the post-grad competitive scene. It opened doors to new experiences, allowing me to challenge myself in a discipline I truly love, and I am determined to continue growing and giving back to the sport in the future. I’m also excited to continue match racing this year and look forward to the season getting back underway.
Josh Dochoda
Our New England based team had the fantastic opportunity to expand our match racing resume in 2024 with the help of the David Storrs Grant. The grant enabled our team to sail different boats, meet new people, and sail around the country this summer. The grant also gives you access to experienced match race mentors who you can lean on for advice. I think our favorite part of our season was the Annapolis sailing event where we sailed J22’s against great competition in tricky conditions. I can now say we have had a J22 planing downwind! We really have a passion for match racing and enjoyed the chance to do more of it and promote the racing format! We highly suggest you apply for the grant!
Axel Stordahl
“This year, I was extremely fortunate to be one of the recipients of the David Storrs Match Race Grant. Prior to this opportunity, I had competed in a few match races at the collegiate level but had little experience outside of that. This grant allowed my team and I to not only compete in multiple events throughout the summer and fall, but it also allowed me to become a member of the match race community and race on top boats throughout the year. Some of the highlights from this season were racing the match 40s in Oakcliff, competing in 2 USMRCQ, and ultimately, being invited to compete in the USMRC in San Francisco. On top of that, my mentor for the program, Peter Holz, helped me design my schedule and, after competing against him in the qualifiers, had me crew on his boat for the Chicago Grand Slam. This past week was an incredible culmination of everything this grant has provided for me as I had the opportunity to crew for Chris Poole in the Macao World Match Race tour event, where we took home 3rd. Overall, this grant was an incredible opportunity to get into the match race community and expand the amount and level of my racing. I am incredibly grateful to have been a recipient this past year and strongly recommend applying for the grant to anyone interested in match racing.“
Sydney Monahan
“The David Storrs Grant provided me with an incredible opportunity to delve deeper into the world of match racing. The highlight of this experience was building a cohesive team, planning an entire season of regattas, and collaborating with my mentor, Janel Martin. One of my most memorable events was the Women’s Match Race Nationals, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club. I am excited to continue building on the skills I developed through this grant in the coming years.
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your match racing career. Apply today and take the first step toward a transformative year on the water!
More information on the grant: 2025 US Match Racing Grant Program Application
Apply here: https://ussailing.jotform.com/220044255788054