Team USA at the O'pen Skiff World Championship 2025 at Nishinomiya, Japan
by Jen Guimaraes 24 Jul 15:23 PDT
18-23 July 2025
Five US sailors traveled to Nishinomiya, Japan for six days of challenging conditions, hot
temperatures, and world class sailing. USA sailor Lucas Doran was in third place in the
U17 fleet before the final day of racing. With tough conditions Lucas placed in the top 10
after the last races on Wednesday, July 23rd.
This small but mighty group traveled far to have their chance to sail on a global scale.
The conditions were consistent with a light breeze in the morning building to 15+ knots
by the afternoon. Afternoon breeze gave way to the opportunity of surfing on downwind
legs keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as competitors navigated the
conditions.
Excellent video coverage illustrates the high level of competition and camaraderie on an
international scale. The spirit of the O'pen Skiff community is unique and apparent when
watching the sailor interviews and onshore antics.
Lucas Doran and Cy Gillette, hailing
from Hawaii, held their own in the
U17 class, bringing very competent
boat handling skills and enthusiasm
to the water. Also, in the U17 fleet
was Cohen Trocolli, from Georgia,
brought the skills he acquired from
the North Americans in Florida to the
water in Japan. U13 sailors included
Jack McWilliams (FL) and Libby
Barber (GA), both dominated their
age class at the North American
Championship in April. Jack and
Libby, newer to this type of event,
worked hard all week while sailing.
The sailing community is rooted in tradition when it comes to small boats and the
pathway to competitive excellence. However, the O'pen Skiff on the verge of its 20th
anniversary in 2026 is one of the best entry-level boats for competitive sailing, or sailors
who are looking to recreate while mastering the sport.
The Un-Regatta format that
shapes the North American Championships each year is unconventional in design and
incredibly effective in outcome. Sailors develop boat handling skills, awareness outside
the boat, and learn to connect with other competitors regardless of the results. Having
to balance your boat while heeling under the Bridge of Doom requires precision and
strength, while standing up on a downwind leg builds confidence in reading waves, wind,
and positioning in the boat.
Maybe it's time to adopt a new junior sailing boat rather than rely on tradition to grow
the sport at a young age. Coaches, Program Directors, Committee Chairs and Sailing
Enthusiasts, why not blaze a new path that benefits the recreational and competitive
youth sailor?
Check out the incredible accomplishments of O'pen Skiff sailors across the globe who
are now succeeding in a variety of sailing disciplines...
From O'pen Skiffs to World Stages
Harry Melges IV - Youngest skipper ever to win the Rolex TP52 World
Championship. Once an O'pen Skiff Un-Regatta champ — now at the top of the
sailing world
Ewan Brazle & Toby Clark - Former O'pen Skiff sailors and now top U17 finishers
at the 29er European Championship in Lake Garda.
Wing Foil Nationals - St. Francis YC
Sean Herbert (NZL) - 1st Overall
JP Lattanzi (USA) - U.S. Wingfoil Champion, 2nd Overall
Fun fact: JP's sister, Pearl Lattanzi, got her start in O'pen Skiffs and now
represents Team USA in the Waszp class.
Maximo Nores - 6th Overall
Gavin Ball (Hawaii) - Champion at the 2025 US Sailing Singlehanded
Champs (Waszp) and ranked 6th in the world.
Jake Pye (NZL) - Bronze at the 2025 Moth Worlds
Junior Pan Am Games, Paraguay
Makani Andrews (iQFOiL Men) & Danicka Sailer (iQFOiL Women) - From O'pen
Skiff Un-Regattas to representing Team USA this August!