U.S. Adult Championship debuts exciting new format in San Francisco

by Jake Fish on 14 Oct 2016 From New York Harbor in 2015 to San Francisco Bay in 2016, the revamped and re-charged U.S. Adult Sailing Championship is underway this week, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club, for four exciting days of racing in J/22 sailboats.

Competition started on Wednesday for the 10 teams representing their respective Regional Sailing Associations (RSA) from all over the country. First raced in 1952, the U.S. Adult Sailing Championship is one of US Sailing’s most historic national championships.

The team of Russ Silvestri, John Collins, Mario Yovkov, and Maggie Bacon (Northern California Yachting Association/St. Francis Yacht Club) have a five point lead through 14 races.

This year, the championship, has taken on a new format to ensure fast and competitive racing with 20 races planned for the event and no discards. Every race counts, so consistency is a major factor for success. Races are approximately 30 minutes in duration with on-the-water umpiring, in addition to an improved viewing experience for spectators.

Both sailors and umpires are pleased with the quality of competition, speed of the races and overall pace of the racing format. Some of the competitors have likened the format to college sailing in big boats.

Wednesday’s Quotes

“I think a number of shorter races is a much better test and much more likely to produce the best result,” explained Umpire Rob Overton. “We also noticed coming around the windward mark, the boats are all together on the first windward mark and they are all in a group with about a dozen boat lengths between first and last.”

“We love the multiple race format,” said Fred Meno. “You can have a terrible race like we did in the first race, and then you are back in it 10 minutes later.”

“It’s been interesting and the Judges are keeping track of everyone and keeping everyone honest,” said Talbott Ingram.

“The short races are intense,” added Richard “Boo” Heausler. “We are trying to figure the boats out and we need a little more speed, but it’s definitely all about the crew work and all about the starts and positioning.”

Prizes on the Line

• First place team will be presented the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy.
• Top three teams will receive US Sailing medals – Gold, Silver, Bronze.
• The Royal Victoria Trophy is awarded for excellence in seamanship.
• The Staton J. Peele, Jr. Trophy voted upon by the sailors is awarded for sportsmanship.