Please select your home edition
Edition
Vaikobi 2024 December

US Sailing 2020 Championship of Champions at Balboa Yacht Club

by Peter Bretschger 11 Oct 2020 21:45 PDT October 9-11, 2020
Jake La Dow (left), Alex Curtiss (right) at 2020 Championship of Champions in Newport Beach, California © Tom Walker

US Sailing's 2020 Championship of Champions came to a close on Sunday following three days of challenging and exciting racing on Newport Beach Harbor. Local sailors Jake La Dow (Huntington Beach, California) and Alex Curtiss (Newport Beach, California) took first place honors against a talented and accomplished fleet of class champions. La Dow and Curtiss won by a 44-point margin. They won six races and placed in the top four in 17 of the 21 races.

La Dow earned his way to compete at this US Sailing National Championship by winning the 2019 Barney Lehman 12 Class National Championship, hosted by the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

One design class National and North American Champions raced for the prestigious Jack Brown Trophy at the 46th Annual Championship of Champions, hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, California.

The Championship of Champions is one of the more unique regattas in the world. Champion sailors from a wide array of one design classes fleet race against each other in a boat that is often unknown to many and is typically held on a body of water with challenging conditions.

La Dow discussed the three days of racing against class champions this week in Newport Beach. "Everyone who is here knows how to win," said La Dow. "That's what's cool about this kind of event. Sailing against all these legends is incredible. It's great to make the Lehman 12 class proud."

"All the competitors felt comfortable being here and racing at this championship," added La Dow. "The Balboa Yacht Club, Organizing Authority, and all the competitors did a great job of social distancing, staying outside, and being safe."

"Jake and I were college roommates and teammates at St. Mary's College of Maryland," said Curtiss. "We've been sailing together for about eight years, and that includes match racing, J70s, Etchells, you name it.

Report: Peter Bretschger, Balboa Yacht Club

Jake La Dow of Newport Beach, California won US Sailing's Championship of Champions with an outstanding final day of racing going 1,1,2,2,2, to close out the series.

La Dow with crew Alex Curtiss were almost flawless over the three days. Placing in second was Chris Raab (Sunset Beach, California), La Dow's father-in-law. With Bill Menninger (Newport Beach, California) taking third, it was a clean sweep for Newport Harbor Yacht Club sailors all of whom were very familiar with the Harbor 20 class and the racing venue.

The final day of racing was in near perfect conditions with 8-9 knots of wind and comfortable sailing conditions. All of the competitors were very pleased with the host Balboa Yacht Club's extraordinary efforts to keep the boats sanitized at each boat rotation and the social distancing and protocols during the four days of the regatta. Event Chair Walter Johnson had been looking forward to hosting the event and organized an experienced Race Committee as well as a seasoned regatta of volunteers to make it a safe and memorable four days.

Final Results & Standings available here.

Related Articles

Charlie Enright appointed as CEO of US Sailing
An accomplished sailor and an advocate of the sport, known for his leadership skills US Sailing announced Charlie Enright, an accomplished leader in the sailing industry, as the Association's new CEO. Enright will take the helm of US Sailing, the sport's National Governing Body (NGB), following an extensive national executive search. Posted on 14 Apr
Three American teams qualify for Medal Races
At Trofeo Princesa Sofía, first Sailing Grand Slam After six days of racing on the Bay of Palma at the 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía, three American teams finished the opening series in the top 10, qualifying for prestigious medal races at the largest Olympic classes regatta of the year. Posted on 8 Apr
Lead-up to LA28 begins with Princesa Sofía Regatta
29 athletes representing the US are now in Palma 29 athletes representing the US across eight Olympic classes will spar with over 50 other countries at the 54th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca, considered to be the European season opener. Posted on 31 Mar
Jr. Pan American Games Sailing Team announced
Four athletes named, set to compete in Paraguay this August Four US athletes will take the water for the second ever Junior Pan American Games coming up August 9-23, 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay. Posted on 7 Mar
US Sailing Youth Team qualification update
Over half of the 72 sailors who will qualify have now earned their spot on the team Over half of the 72 sailors who will qualify for the Youth National Team in 2025 have now earned their spot on the team based on top finishes at class association Midwinter Championships. Posted on 7 Mar
US Sailing seek Sailor Athlete Council nominations
SAC is only vehicle for sailors to be heard as individuals rather than as members of an organization US Sailing's Sailor Athlete Council (SAC) maintains an avenue for American sailor athletes to voice their opinions, providing a forum and opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the future and direction of our sport. Posted on 2 Mar
US selection process for Youth Match Racing Worlds
Set to take place from July 21-27 in Gdynia, Poland US Sailing has released the athlete selection procedures for the 2025 World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship, set to take place from July 21-27 in Gdynia, Poland. Posted on 28 Feb
2025 Kevin Burnham Memorial Grants recipients
Three young sailors selected to receive the 2025 Kevin Burnham Memorial Grants US Sailing is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Kevin Burnham Memorial Grants, made possible by the generous support of the sailing community in honor of Kevin Burnham's remarkable legacy. Posted on 27 Feb
Strength of American Skiff Movement proven
28 Athletes at 2025 49er & 49erFX US Nationals A balmy, 15 knot wind stirred the palm trees at the US Sailing Center of Miami for day three of the 2025 49er and 49erFX National Championship. Posted on 19 Feb
US Sailing Leadership Awards winners announced
The event recognized individuals and programs that have made a significant impact on the sport Last week in Coronado, CA, US Sailing honored the outstanding contributions of sailors, organizations, and industry leaders at the 2025 Sailing Leadership Awards. Posted on 10 Feb
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERMackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMNorth Sails Loft 57 Podcast