2026 Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta and the Future of College Offshore Sailing
By Airwaves writer Julia Brighton, awesome photos by Priscilla Parker
During the weekend of February 14–15, nearly thirty college sailing teams from across the country gathered in Charleston, South Carolina, to compete in the Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta (SCOR).
Ned Goss, the Varsity Offshore Coach at the College of Charleston, spoke emotionally about how much collegiate offshore sailing has grown since the regatta was launched in 2014 by Tripp Fellabom with the help of George Scarborough and Frickie Martschink. Looking out at the room, he reflected on the event’s early days and the steady progress it has made over the past decade. What began as a small gathering has developed into a major regatta that now attracts teams from across the country.
Offshore sailing is working to establish a stronger presence within collegiate sailing. For many sailors, big-boat racing represents the next step after graduation. Because of this, some sailors and coaches argue that offshore racing should hold equal weight alongside traditional dinghy competition at the college level.
In addition to SCOR, there are other major collegiate offshore regattas held each year: the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta (GLIOR) in Chicago, Illinois, the Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta (IOR) in Larchmont, New York, and, in Fall 2026, the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta (PCIOR) in Seattle, Washington will be added to the circuit. With these regattas drawing competitive fleets from across college sailing divisions, momentum continues to build. Supporters hope to expand offshore opportunities even further, ultimately establishing a collegiate offshore national championship.
As offshore sailing grows, it raises an intriguing question: might we one day see offshore-specific All-American honors, such as Bowperson, Trimmer, or Driver, awarded alongside the traditional All-American Skipper and Crew recognitions in dinghy sailing?
While collegiate offshore sailing is making the case for greater recognition, it is regattas like SCOR that serve as a strong argument. Over two days on Charleston Harbor, teams demonstrated exactly why offshore racing deserves a larger stage.
Here’s how SCOR played out, day by day:
Day 1: The opening day of the 2026 Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta brought a packed schedule of racing for every fleet. Teams in the J/105 and Sportboat divisions completed five races each, while the J/22 fleet sailed four. The Race Committee positioned the course southeast of Middle Ground, where Charleston Harbor offered prime conditions, including a consistent easterly breeze of 6–10 knots.
Current played a major role throughout the day. A powerful ebb tide shaped the first two races, making current management critical to success. By the third race, the tide transitioned to a moderate flood, favoring crews that quickly adapted their strategy to the shifting water.
Day 2: With heavy winds and afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast, Day 2 of SCOR featured a single distance race sailed in a south-southeasterly breeze of 10–15 knots against a powerful ebb tide.
The course sent teams all over Charleston Harbor, beginning with a beat toward James Island, followed by a reach around Fort Sumter, then a run up toward the Ravenel Bridge, before finishing with a final beat back to the Carolina Yacht Club.
Find the full results HERE
Results:
Overall Highest Winning Percentage: College of Charleston – J/105 Class
Sportboat Class A
- College of Charleston
- Brown University
- University of Rhode Island
Sportboat Class B
- Miami University
- University of Michigan
- North Carolina State University
J/105 Class
- College of Charleston
- Harvard University
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy
J/22 Class
- University of Michigan
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- College of Charleston
About Julia Brighton, Airwaves writer
Julia Brighton grew up in North Carolina but spent her summers sailing in Scituate, Massachusetts, where her connection to the water began. She is currently an Environmental Studies major at the University of Vermont and serves as Treasurer of the UVM Sailing Team, competing in both women’s and coed events. Julia sailed on the varsity sailing team at Choate Rosemary Hall, building a strong foundation in team racing and competitive sailing. She has also worked with coastal photographer Kat Hanafin of The Nautical Collection, contributing written content and assisting with business operations and client communications. Outside of college sailing, Julia works as a race coach at Cohasset Yacht Club, where she enjoys mentoring young sailors and fostering both competitive skills and a lasting respect for the marine environment.
Ice Boating on Lake Champlain
By new Airwaves writer Julia Brighton
As Lake Champlain reaches a full freeze for the first time since 2019, it is not stopping the hardiest of sailors from getting on the water, or, more accurately, the ice. While much of New England is waiting for warmer days and thawed harbors, Vermont sailors of all ages are taking advantage of the conditions at hand. On a recent overcast Saturday, sailors traded open water for a sheet of ice and launched onto a frozen lake as snow fell steadily, and air temperatures hovered just above zero degrees.
The conditions were far from forgiving. Snow reduced visibility across the lake, and the wind cut sharply across the ice. Despite the cold and challenging weather, the sailors remained enthusiastic. New ice boaters and seasoned regulars of the sport layered against the wind and snow and jumped right into conditions that would send most people inside.
Once on the ice, the sailors tried their hand at DN iceboats, one of the most widely used designs in the sport. DN iceboats originated in Michigan in the 1930s as a result of an ice boat design contest sponsored by the Detroit News. These single-sail boats can now be found all over North America and are known for their simplicity and speed, making them a popular choice for both racing and recreational ice sailing.
To get the boats moving, sailors took a running start before leaping aboard. The boats accelerated quickly, a new feeling for sailors used to water pushing against their hulls. Ice boating offered a different, yet still exhilarating, experience of navigating a new way of being in tune with the wind and sails. For some, the day served as an introduction to ice boating, and for others, it was a welcome return to a winter activity that has become increasingly rare in recent years.
This ice boating opportunity was supported by the New England Ice Yacht Association, which hosts regattas and ice sailing events across the Northeast when conditions allow. Ice boating seasons are highly dependent on weather and ice quality, making them unpredictable and often short-lived. In recent winters, safe ice has become increasingly rare, limiting opportunities for organized sailing. A near-complete freeze on Lake Champlain has opened the door for renewed activity after several seasons without reliable conditions.
For the sailors, the day was a reminder that sailing in northern climates does not need to end with the close of the fall season. As sails filled with wind and boats glided across the lake, Lake Champlain once again became a unique sailing venue, proving that even in the coldest conditions, the sailing season never has to end.
About the author
Julia Brighton grew up in North Carolina but spent her summers sailing in Scituate, Massachusetts, where her connection to the water began. She is currently an Environmental Studies major at the University of Vermont and serves as Treasurer of the UVM Sailing Team, competing in both women’s and coed events. Julia sailed on the varsity sailing team at Choate Rosemary Hall, building a strong foundation in team racing and competitive sailing. She has also worked with coastal photographer Kat Hanafin of The Nautical Collection, contributing written content and assisting with business operations and client communications. Outside of college sailing, Julia works as a race coach at Cohasset Yacht Club, where she enjoys mentoring young sailors and fostering both competitive skills and a lasting respect for the marine environment.
Beverly Yacht Club is Hiring for Summer 2026!
The Beverly Yacht Club was established in 1872 with the purpose “to promote yachting and good fellowship among its members.” Located in the charming town of Marion, Massachusetts, the BYC is fortunate enough to sit on one of the world’s great sailing and cruising grounds – Sippican Harbor in Buzzards Bay. Our energetic and enthusiastic membership exemplifies camaraderie on and off the water with our active racing, cruising, and junior sailing programs.
The BYC proudly hosts the Marion-Bermuda Race in odd years, along with a number of regional and national championship events. This is made possible by our members’ strong volunteer ethic, race management expertise, and the desire to support and advance the sport at all levels.
Visiting sailors and cruisers are also always welcome, whether you would like to participate in our races, cruise Sippican Harbor, or enjoy a bite to eat on our porch with a beautiful waterfront view. Check out our Visitor Info page for more information.
Beverly YC is hiring for the following five positions:
- Sailing Instructor
- Optimist Green Race Coach
- Opti RWB Race Coach
- C420 Race Coach
- Junior Sailing Program Director
See ALL jobs:
https://sailingjobs.sail1design.com/employment/beverly-yacht-club-profile-9220.aspx
International Lightning Class Boat Grant Program Seeking Applications for 2026!
International Lightning Class Association
For Immediate Release
Additional Information: Laura Jeffers, Executive Secretary
January 5, 2026
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Squarest Deal Ever? And it’s Free!
The International Lightning Class Boat Grant Program had another amazing year in 2025. We received outstanding applications from young sailors eager to compete in one of the strongest fleets in one design sailing. We’re looking to build on that momentum for the 2026 sailing season! That’s where you come in!
The Lightning Class will again provide boats to several promising young sailing teams– like you! If you’re over 19, consider this your personal invitation: apply!
You’ll get the best equipment. Race-winning boats with new sails, new rigging, covers and an assigned Lightning Class mentor to help you get to the front. In the boat park you’ll become part of a group that genuinely wants you to do your best and enjoy every weekend! On the water, those same people will do all in their power to keep you behind them. Would you want it any other way?
“The Lightning Boat Grant has been an incredible opportunity for my team and me to continue racing at a high level after finishing college sailing. I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to race a brand-new Lightning for the year and look forward to remaining part of the fleet in the future.” – Axel Stordahl, 2024 College of Charleston, 2025 recipient
“The program is such an important opportunity for younger sailors to get involved, build connections, and see what makes this fleet so special. Sailing a grant boat has given me the chance to experience this community firsthand, and it’s easy to see why so many people stay in the class for life.” – Will Murray, 2024 Hobart, 2025 recipient, 2025 U32 Invitational Champion
Did we mention the boat is free?
The program covers all entry fees and many travel expenses too. The Lightning Class has been a vital experience for many of the best racers in the World. Could you use an experience like that?
Join us and apply before the January 22, 2026 deadline!
https://www.lightningclass.org/boatgrant
Sail1Design, Mackay Boats & US One-Design Launch Partnership to Support U.S. i420 Sailing!
Mackay i420 Boats and Parts to Be Stocked in the U.S., Starting Winter 2025
Annapolis, MD — Sail1Design is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with US One Design to bring Mackay i420 sailboats and class parts directly to the U.S. market, in stock, in the U.S., and ready to support America’s growing i420 fleet. Sail1Design has 4 new boats on order, slated to arrive in the US in late spring. US One-Design will now carry Mackay i420 parts, on hand at upcoming events, starting in just a few weeks with the i420 National Championship on 27 December at Coconut Grove Sailing Center. For i420 sailors in the US, this is great news!
This initiative launches in just a few weeks with i420 parts on-site at major U.S. winter regattas, stocked and supported through the US One Design trailers. As the season progresses, inventory and boat availability will expand to improve access, event support, and long-term fleet success nationwide.
“We are thrilled to offer reliable, domestic access to world-class Mackay equipment,” said Sail1Design and US One Design in a joint statement. “Supporting U.S. sailors with world-level gear they need, where and when they need it, is essential to boosting high-performance development in the i420 class.”
About Mackay Boats
Mackay’s high-performance legacy began in the 1960s with the Flying Dutchman class and has accelerated ever since. During the 1970s, the company built championship-winning offshore powerboats, before transitioning into Olympic dinghy production in the 1990s with the 470 and 49er. In 2020, Mackay launched the cutting-edge Bieker Moth.
Mackay boats lead Olympic and World Championship fleets thanks to continuous innovation and a relentless pursuit of speed. Their mission is to deliver high-performance sailing experiences for every sailor, sustaining the magic, competition, and adventure of being on the water.
Supporting U.S. i420 Growth
We are excited to see more interest in the i420 here in the US. With more American sailors embracing the i420 pathway, this partnership provides the critical equipment access needed to help U.S. athletes compete at the highest levels. No more overseas delays — essential parts and service will now be available for order online and at events and nationwide.
Further updates — including ordering information and expanded event-support plans — will follow soon.
To learn more, contact US One Design: [email protected] Sail1Design: [email protected]
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About Sail1Design
Sail1Design is a grassroots organization — by sailors, for sailors — dedicated to the youth, high school, college, and one-design sailing communities. Founded in 2007, Sail1Design has grown significantly and now supports sailors across the country through three core service areas:
Career Center & Job Board
The leading hiring hub for the sailing and marine industry; official job board of ICSA, ISSA, and US Sailing.Marketplace & Professional Brokerage
A unique by-owner platform for one-design sailboats and gear, paired with full-service brokerage expertise.
Airwaves News & Calendar
An active, community-driven source for national sailing news, resources, and event listings.
About US One Design
US One Design is driven by community — not just commerce. Founded by passionate dinghy sailors, the company’s mission is to help more people get on the water and thrive in the sport we love. From local youth programs to Olympic campaigns, US One Design proudly supports sailors at every level with the tools, expertise, and service required to reach their goals.
Whether it’s rigging and repairs, parts supply, or full fleet outfitting, US One Design focuses on precision, performance, and — most importantly — people.
Media Contact:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Airwaves Career Center Spotlight: Director of the Tabor Sailing School
Summer 2026 Sailing Instructor- Northport Point Yacht Club
2025 US Sailing Multihull Championship Report & Results
By Airwaves writer Heather Kerns
Each year, the US Sailing Multihull Championship is sailed in a different multihull class, with competitors vying for the prestigious Hobie Alter Trophy, named in honor of Hobie Alter Sr. and his promotion of one-design multihull sailing.
This year’s championship was contested in the Formula Wave class and hosted by the Corpus Christi Yacht Club in Texas from November 3–7. With an impressive 86 boats registered, the fleet was split into groups for a qualifying series.
In qualifying, Wally Myers, Tyler Myers, and Mike Montague led the charge, finishing tied with just eight points each. After qualifying, the fleet was divided into Gold and Silver divisions for the final series.
In the Gold Fleet, Jim Sajdak sailed a standout series to claim the overall title. Mike Montague, who finished second, showed remarkable consistency and was leading the Gold Fleet early on before Sajdak’s first-place finishes carried him to the top of the podium. Wally Myers rounded out the top three with a strong performance, staying in contention despite a tough 27th in Race 4. Interestingly, all three top finishers posted their lowest scores in that same race—a reminder of how a drop-race can reshape results in tight fleets.
In the Silver Fleet, Joshua Lockton delivered a dominant performance, finishing with just 13 points—well ahead of Julio Caceres in second with 30 points, and John Williams in third with 36.
You can find the results HERE.
Congratulations to all the sailors, as well as to the Corpus Christi Yacht Club and the Formula Wave Class Association for hosting such a successful event. It is inspiring to see sailors of all ages and experience levels competing together.
Event co-chair and Formula Wave Class President Ben Wells remarked in an INTERVIEW with US Sailing that the Formula Wave class continues to stand out for its accessibility and ability to bring sailors together. The regatta also introduced an innovative geographic team program, pairing sailors based on their home regions to foster new connections and strengthen local fleets.
While much of sailing’s growth conversation focuses on getting kids into the sport, the Formula Wave class and Multihull Championship serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping people engaged. In the end, it’s the camaraderie and community that keep sailors coming back whether it’s for national championships or local racing.
Photos taken by Lexi Pline from US Sailing.
2025 Annapolis Yacht Club’s Halloween Howl Regatta Results & Report
By Airwaves writer Heather Kerns
(Want us to profile your event or class? Get in touch! [email protected])
Racing for the 20th edition of the Annapolis Yacht Club’s Halloween Howl Regatta took place October 25–26. The event brought together sailors from the C420, ILCA, and Opti classes. After sailing Saturday, sailors got to unwind and show their creative side at the Halloween Howl Costume Party.
This year’s event also held extra significance, serving as both the USODA Chesapeake Bay Championship and the C420 Atlantic Coast Championship. Throughout the weekend, conditions were light and variable, resulting in only a few races being completed.
On the Opti course, three races were completed. Daniel Skutch Tyson (Annapolis YC) took the overall win with a scoreline of 1, 1, 6. Tucker Johnson (Hampton YC) finished second based on tiebreaker rules, and Quillin Moran (Annapolis YC / SFYC) secured third overall. Local knowledge clearly paid off, with the Annapolis YC program dominating the top of the fleet.
As the USODA Chesapeake Bay Championship, this event also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Team Trials. You can view the list of TTQ sailors HERE.
In the Opti Green Fleet, the future stars of the class got the most racing in, completing six races. Congratulations to Loanardos Petsas (PUR, Ponce Yacht & Fishing Club) on the win! Many of these young sailors are sure to make their mark in the RWB fleet next year.
Racing proved challenging for the C420 and ILCA sailors, with only one race completed. In the ILCA 6 class, Chase Duhon Kovach (NYCC/HYC) took first, Liam Wharton (NYYC) placed second, and Kasten Bushmann (NYCC) finished third. The ILCA 4 fleet had a single competitor.
The C420 Atlantic Coast Championship featured nine boats, with Annapolis YC once again proving dominant. James Reilley and Mercer Rensberger (AYC) took third, Ashton Perkins and Finley Olson (AYC) finished second, and Walter Daigle and Viana Johnston (AYC) claimed victory in the single race.
Even with plenty of time spent under postponement, the sailors were still filled with good spirits. Between great friends, fun costumes, and strong competition, the 20th edition of the Halloween Howler was a success both on and off the water.
You can find the full results HERE.
Photos courtesy of Keyworth Photography. Check out the rest of the event gallery.
Sponsor News: Zim Sailing 420E and FJ Lead Times Are Now Reduced!
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2025 i420 Atlantic Coast Championship Results & Report
By Airwaves writer Heather Kerns
The Indian River Yacht Club in Greenwich, Connecticut hosted the I420 Atlantic Coast Championships over the weekend of October 25–26. Twenty boats competed in the event, and five races were completed.
The fleet hit the water Saturday morning in a westerly breeze of about 12 knots. Conditions were shifty and puffy, making for dynamic racing as the average wind speed gradually dropped throughout the day. The race committee ran 5 races.
On Sunday, sailors were met with lighter, very shifty winds that made quality racing difficult. After several delays, the race committee finally set a course and prepared to start, but a major wind shift at a minute to go in the sequence forced another postponement. Sailors were sent ashore to wait for better breeze, but with conditions not improving, racing was ultimately called off around 2 p.m.
With a strong performance, Amelia Woodworth and Grace Kinney (Pequot YC/LISOT) won the event with 19 points total. Arturo Zizold and Alessandro Baldassari (Maximus Sailing) claimed second with 25.3 points after being granted redress, and Kai McCulloch and Sophia Panusheva (American YC/LISOT) rounded out the top three. Across all score-lines, steady top-10 finishes proved to be the key to success. No team dominated the event—each of the five races was won by a different pair—showcasing the depth and competitiveness of this small but mighty I420 fleet.
Special thanks to Portland Yacht Club c420 Race Team Martin Cloos for providing additional context and insight about the weekend. Reflecting on the event, Cloos shared:
“The [Portland YC] kids had a great first experience racing an I420. The fleet was small but super competitive, and the team learned a lot from the event. Although it’s hard to see in the results, the team made huge improvements throughout the day, finishing the later races much more in the battle.”
The regatta offered valuable learning experiences and tight competition for all participants. As the fall sailing season continues, it will be exciting to see all of these teams build on their progress and carry their momentum into upcoming events.
Full results HERE.