Men & Women to Compete in Open Format First Time!(Portsmouth, RI) – US Sailing has adapted one of its most historic championships (the Mallory Trophy) into a new and exciting event for competitive adult women and men sailors in America. The first edition of the US Adult Sailing Championship for the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy will take place August 22-25, 2013 at the Rochester Yacht Club in Rochester, NY in matched, one-design international J/24 class sailboats!
The US Adult Sailing Championship features an open format allowing women and men to compete as skipper or crew. While women have been sailing for the US Men’s Championship since its inception, they were only permitted to race as crew. With more and more mixed gender teams now racing, there was demand for a championship to meet this ever-growing segment of the sport.
“Through hard work and dedication of the committee and Rochester Yacht Club, this championship has been restyled and rejuvenated for a broader field of participants, while allowing its rich, historical significance to continue within the sailing community,” said Shannon Bush, Chairperson of US Sailing’s Championship Committee.
Sponsored by Gill North America, the US Adult Sailing Championships will have no gender restrictions on skipper or crews. Teams will be limited by weight. The traditional format of qualifying events remains has been expanded. Local sailing organizations will field teams to Area Qualifiers or designated qualifying events with two teams rather than one from Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, K and J and one team from Areas L and H proceeding onto the finals. Teams will compete in the finals in a round robin format on provided one-design International J/24s- THE world's largest one-design sailboat class. In fact, many local J/24 fleets are helping to sponsor/ support this year's inaugural event with local/ regional qualifying regattas-- please be sure to contact them! Girl's rule? Maybe this year is that opportunity!!
"For many years, competitive sailors have been putting together teams of great male and female sailors to compete at local, national,and international events," said Linda Epstein, Chairperson of the US Adult Sailing Championships. "Now, they will have the chance to put together their best team from their local sailing area to compete for a US Sailing championship and the opportunity to win the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy." Learn more about eligibility requirements, qualification process, boat and equipment, scoring, prizes, and more. Sailing photo credits- Tim Wilkes.com
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