US Sailing Championship Events

See, also US SAILING: National Championships & Area F

Championship events are organized by US SAILING at the national, area and regional levels. Clubs are encouraged to develop and support both individual competitors and teams. Many of these championships are tournaments, called “ladder events” because they proceed — in concept — from a club or venue elimination to a regional quarter-final to an area semi-final, to the national finals.

Some events are by invitation only, or entry is directly to the host club or US SAILING committee.

Clubs are encouraged to volunteer to host regional and area events. Prospective host clubs should make their wishes known to SAIL well in advance and no later than the November Annual Meeting. SAIL can grant clubs the privilege of holding a regional quarter-final, and will present the club’s bid for a semi-final to Area F. Clubs that wish to host a national final event should apply directly to that event’s committee at US SAILING.  

Host clubs should try to match conditions that the national competition will be sailed in. Each event, especially for area semi-finals, is governed by a “Conditions” document, which becomes part of the rules governing the event. Hosting an event involves arranging for loaned boats, organizing and managing the regatta, recruiting race officers and judges with the required qualifications, and giving consideration to competitor support on and off the water. Providing lodging, etc. for competitors and officials from outside the area is customary.  

For most events, competitors represent a club which is a member of US SAILING. All competitors must be members of SAIL and US SAILING. Top competitors at the regional level are expected to compete at the Area F (semi-final) level competition and winners or runner-ups at the Area semi-final are expected to compete at the national finals.

How do you enter a US SAILING Championship Event as a competitor?

Notify SAIL, preferably in writing, by the November Annual Meeting preceding the event. To increase participation, SAIL has adopted a policy of passing as many competitors through as it is entitled to for the Area semi-finals and will subsidize a portion of the entry fees. If the number of SAIL entrants exceeds the semi-final event quota, SAIL will select its representatives by resume or by a sail-off to be scheduled.

Some of the Championships:

 Mallory Cup, the US Men’s Sailing Championship, is for teams of three people 18 years old or older where the skipper is male. SAIL has a quota of two teams for the Area Semi-finals. Boats used for the finals alternate from year to year between keelboats and centerboard boats. See schedule.

 Adams Cup, the US Women’s Sailing Championship, is for teams of three women 18 years old or older except that one crew member may be less than 18 but at least 15 old in the year of competition. Team members must all be from the same region (e.g., SAIL). SAIL has a quota of two teams for the Area Semi-finals. Boats for the finals alternate from year to year between keelboats and centerboard boats.  See schedule.

 O’Day Trophy, The US Singlehanded Championship, is for individual male or female competitors who are 16 years old or older in the year of competition. SAIL has a quota of five entries for the Area Semi-Finals. This event is typically sailed in Lasers. See schedule.

 Prince of Wales Bowl, the US Match Racing Championship, is a match racing competition where each SAIL member club may enter one team. SAIL has a quota of two entries for the Area Semi-final. The event is typically sailed in keelboats. See schedule.

 Alter Cup, US Multi-Hull Championship, is a competition between multi-hull sailors.  See schedule.

 Junior Championship events are open to boys and girls who are 13 to 19 years old in the year of competition. Events include the Sears Cup for a crew of three, the Bemis Trophy for double-handed crews, and the Smythe Trophy for single-handed. The Leiter Trophy is a non-ladder event open to girls 13 to 18 years old who normally sail in the US.