US Sailing to drive resources & support for One Design Sailing

Jake La Dow (left), Alex Curtiss (right) at 2020 Championship of Champions in Newport Beach, California. © Tom Walker

In an effort to promote and grow one design participation in the United States, US Sailing has revitalized a committee to focus on supporting these sailors and this very important segment of our sport. The One Design Committee will be composed of diverse geographic and one design class members. Their mission will begin by addressing areas that have been identified as priorities for one design sailors and class associations.

In the fall of 2020, US Sailing circulated a survey to one design sailors and classes. The results of the survey identified three key areas where support is needed: organizing and coordinating content, fostering communication, and implementing data tracking.

The committee will approach these three areas by establishing task forces comprised of volunteers from around the country who are involved with one design sailing, either through class associations or as a sailor themselves. Regular meetings between the Committee and the task forces will be held, and progress reports will be delivered to US Sailing on a semi-annual basis.

US Sailing is optimistic that the committee and task forces will encourage a seamless exchange of information and assist in solving mutual challenges. US Sailing Adult Director, Betsy Alison (Newport, R.I.) commented, "Now, we have in place a structure that allows a community of one design sailors to take the helm again and lead the charge to re-engage one design sailors. With the help of these sailors, we'll have a better understanding of what is important to them and how we can better serve this critical segment of our sailing community."

Leading the committee is Chair, Chris Snow (San Diego, Calif.). Snow is a professional sailor and coach who competes in many one design classes and is formerly the One Design Manager for North Sails NA. He will be joined by Vice Chair, Debbie Probst (Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.). Probst has a wealth of experience sailing multiple one design classes. She is also a past President of the Lightning Class Association.

"I am really looking forward to working with a great group of volunteers who have already stepped up to help along with my vice chair, Debbie Probst," said Snow. "Ultimately, we want this committee to help grow participation and create opportunities for one design class officers and sailors to interact and learn together to solve shared challenges."

In addition to Snow and Probst, 10 members will serve on the committee. These individuals are from areas that span the country and represent a broad collection of one design classes.

One Design Class Committee Members:

• Chris Snow, Chair (California) - Etchells, J/70
• Debbie Probst, Vice Chair (Florida) - Lightning, Laser
• Clark Chapin, Advisor (Michigan) - Interlake
• Dave Rosekrans, Advisor (Ohio) - Thistle
• James Crabtree, Member (Missouri) - Flying Scot, Megabyte
• Chrissy Hughes, Member (Minnesota) - E Scow
• Fred Roy, Member (Rhode Island) - S Boat
• Abby Ruhlman, Member (Ohio) - J/111
• Colin Rupp, Member (North Carolina) - 420, Laser, FJ, J Boats, Melges, PHRF
• Tucker Strasser, Member (California) - Laser, Lido 14
• Gail Turluck, Member (Florida) - Sunfish
• Betsy Alison, Staff Liaison (Rhode Island) - Multiple dinghy and keelboat classes
• Nancy Mazzulli, Staff Liaison (Rhode Island) - Multiple dinghy and keelboat classes

For more one design information and resources, visit One Design Central, US Sailing's hub for one design resources.