The U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship (USYMRC) for the Rose Cup stands as one of the most prestigious events in youth sailing, offering young competitors a platform to hone their match racing skills and compete at a high level. Open to sailors who have reached their 16th birthday but not their 21st during the calendar year, this invitation-only event provides world-class coaching, race management, and a competitive environment designed to prepare participants for success on the national and international stage.
Founded in 2010 by members of the Balboa Yacht Club and the Newport-Balboa Sailing & Seamanship Association (NBSSA), the Rose Cup has grown into a cornerstone of youth match racing in the United States. With significant contributions from US Sailing Match Racing Committee Vice-Chair and five-time US Match Racing Champion Dave Perry, the event earned its designation as the U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship in 2015.
The 2025 rendition of the Rose Cup stands as the 15th anniversary of the event, and the 10th anniversary it being named as the U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship, making it a hallmark year for match racing in America.
At the heart of the Rose Cup is the presentation of the Nick Scandone Sportsmanship Award. Named after Paralympic Gold Medalist Nick Scandone, who triumphed against immense physical challenges caused by ALS, the award embodies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication—qualities that every sailor strives to emulate.
“I am extremely excited for the upcoming edition of the US Youth Match Race Championship for the Rose Cup,” said Youth Match Racing Championship Committee Chair, Ryan Davidson. “As we have seen in the last few years, the competition level has increased drastically leading to some thrilling match racing! With the use of the Gov Cup 22 boats and coaching/clinic lead by Janel Zarkowsky Martin, this 10th anniversary of the USYMRC is sure to be one of the best editions yet!”
The Rose Cup also serves as a steppingstone to the renowned Governor’s Cup, held annually at the Balboa Yacht Club. The top skipper from the USYMRC earns an invitation to this prestigious international youth match racing event, further solidifying the Rose Cup’s role as a critical pathway for ambitious young sailors.
The event is contested in provided keelboats, typically Sonars or J/22s, with the specific class varying annually depending on the host club’s fleet. Each team is comprised of four sailors, including at least one male and one female, and may feature members from different yacht clubs or sailing associations.
The Rose Cup stands as a cornerstone event for ambitious young American sailors, offering an unparalleled platform to sharpen their match racing skills and ignite their competitive spirits. As a premier youth match racing championship, the Rose Cup not only equips sailors with the tactical prowess and strategic mindset essential for success in this high-stakes discipline but also fosters sportsmanship, resilience, and leadership. For many participants, this prestigious event serves as a launchpad, opening doors to elite competitions and paving the way for future accomplishments on national and international stages.
“The Rose Cup is an amazing event for youth sailing and especially youth match racing,” said Will Holz, 2012 Rose Cup champion from Chicago Yacht Club.” I was lucky to race in the event multiple times when there weren’t many opportunities for youth match racers in the US, so being able to race against great competition and learn from Dave Perry every year was an awesome experience. Winning the event with my team in 2012 was very special and opened the door to many future match racing opportunities.”
Invitations are extended based on resumes, and priority is given to requests received by April 1st. For young sailors looking to challenge themselves, build their match racing experience, and connect with like-minded competitors, the Rose Cup offers an unparalleled opportunity.
“The Rose Cup is the pinnacle of US Youth Match Racing. Alumni have gone on to exceed in international, intercollegiate, and Olympic sailing competition. Not only will you learn a lot through the excellent coaching and competitive racing, but you’ll also make friends for life off the water,” said Ansgar Jordan, Former Competitor and 2024 Livestream Commentator.
As the application deadline approaches, sailors are encouraged to submit their resumes and seize this chance to become part of a storied tradition that has shaped some of the brightest talents in sailing. Don’t miss your opportunity to compete, learn, and excel at the 2024 U.S. Youth Match Racing Championship for the Rose Cup. The 2025 event returns to the place where it all began, at Balboa Yacht Club.
“Balboa Yacht Club is excited to host the 15th Rose Cup and bring it back to Newport Beach where it all started,” said Christine Gribben of Balboa Yacht Club. “We are happy to see how much the US youth match racing has grown over the years and proud to be part of it. The winner of the Rose Cup will receive an invitation to the Governor’s Cup, the oldest youth match race championship in the world where they will compete against the best youth match racers from around the world.”
“This years’ event at the Balboa Yacht Club in the square-top mainsail, planing hull Gov Cup 22 yachts is certainly one not to miss,” adds Jordan.
For more information and to request an invitation, visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2025-u-s-youth-match-racing-championship/