Top U.S. Sailors Set to Battle for National Glory at the 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships in San Francisco Bay
Event Preview: 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships
The 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships is set to sail into action from September 6-8 at Richmond Yacht Club, in Richmond, California. This prestigious event will feature top-notch competition in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Competitors will vie for the coveted titles of U.S. Men’s and Women’s Singlehanded Champions, making this a key event on the national sailing calendar.
Racing will take place in the RS Aero 5 and RS Aero 7 classes, with athletes from across the nation showcasing their skills in these highly competitive fleets. The event not only tests the sailors’ endurance and tactics but also their ability to adapt to the conditions of San Francisco Bay.
“One of my favorite things about working with hosts is seeing them bring their enthusiasm and pride for their club and class,” said Mitchell Brindley, Chair of the US Adult Singlehanded Sailing Championships Committee. “This year, both Richmond Yacht Club and the RS Aero class have really embraced the championships.”
The U.S. Singlehanded Championships is known for the rigorous competition, attracting some of the most talented sailors in the country. The event serves as a proving ground for both emerging talents and seasoned sailors aiming to leave their mark on the national stage.
“The past few years have seen the US Singlehanded Championships in ILCAs, Sunfish and now RS Aero,” said Brindley. “I look forward to other classes wanting to partner with US Sailing for these championships.”
The George D. O’Day Trophy is awarded to the overall winner of the U.S. Singlehanded Championships. Established in 1962 by George D. O’Day, this prestigious trophy is contested annually by top sailors in singlehanded boats, with the champion recognized as the United States Singlehanded Champion. Previous winners include Conor Blouin, Malcolm Lamphere, Leo Boucher, Marek Zaleski, Henry Marshall, Charlie Buckingham, Mitch Hall, and Brad Funk.
Peter J. Barrett won the inaugural U.S. Singlehanded Championship in 1962, displaying exceptional skill and sportsmanship that later earned him an Olympic silver medal in the Finn class in 1964 and a gold in the Star class in 1968. His commitment to fair play, highlighted by his self-penalization during the 1964 Olympics, exemplified the integrity that defined his sailing career. The Peter J. Barrett Sportsmanship Award is now presented at US Sailing Championships to the competitor that best displays Peter’s sportsmanship. Past recipients include Andre Patin, Peter Edwards, Ravi Parent, and Michael Bradley.
The Helen Hanley Trophy, established in 2011, is awarded to the top female sailor at the U.S. Singlehanded Championships. Named in honor of Helen Wills Hanley, a dedicated sailor and pioneer in the South Atlantic sailing community, the trophy recognizes her contributions to the sport and her legacy in promoting women’s sailing. Previous winners include Hanne Weaver, Elaine Parshall, Anna Weis, Paige Railey, Simone Staff, and Allie Blecher.
“This year, I hope the support for the US Championships from US Sailing and partners offers a world class experience for RS Aero class competitors,” said Brindley. “The hosts at Richmond Yacht Club have an excellent team in place from race management to shore support. And I know the venue, San Fransico Bay, will not disappoint.”
Spectators can look forward to three days of intense racing, with the champions being crowned on the final day. Whether you’re a dedicated sailing enthusiast or new to the sport, the 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships promise to deliver thrilling racing and a showcase of exceptional sailing prowess. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness some of the best singlehanded sailors in the country battle it out on the waters of San Francisco Bay!
For more information and to follow racing, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-singlehanded-championships/