2026 A Scow National Championship at Torch Lake Yacht and Country Club
by Hannah Noll 28 Jun 21:44 PDT
June 25-28, 2026
A new generation has arrived in the A Scow Class. Bob Schroeder's I-210 Hall Pass, helmed by 17-year-old William Schroeder, completed a wire-to-wire victory at the 2026 A Scow National Championship, leading the 22-boat fleet from the opening race through the final standings on the crystal-clear waters of Torch Lake, Michigan.
“I can't believe this is happening right now,” said Schroeder. “I mean, it’s crazy. It’s hard to win in this fleet: Everyone has to be perfect. One little mistake from one person and it can all fall apart. When it all comes together, there's nothing better. I’m just grateful my dad gave me the opportunity to drive. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
Representing Lake Geneva Yacht Club, Hall Pass never surrendered its grip on the championship. The team established itself immediately on Day One, leading at every mark while posting a 2-1 scoreline before carrying that momentum through the remainder of the regatta. No team had better starts all week. Time and again, Hall Pass launched cleanly off the line, putting themselves in position to control races from the front.
William Schroeder was joined by tactician Will Huerth, brother Marshall Schroeder, Matthew Sexton, Morgan Standley, Billy Madden, and Charlie Huerth. Schroeder is the youngest helmsmen ever to win an A Scow National Championship, signaling the arrival of another generation of elite inland sailors. The Schroeder family watched every race, witnessing William’s feat.
The title was earned against one of the deepest fleets in recent memory. No team won more than one race during the championship, a testament to the competitiveness of the class. Every race featured a different storyline, and every race produced a different hero.
Paul Reilly’s I-414 Red Sky Sailing Team secured second overall after a consistent week, while defending champions T Freytag’s I-7 Madcap rounded out the podium in third. Michael Lynch’s Crews Control and Vincent Porter’s Full Throttle completed a tightly contested top five.
This championship adds another chapter to the 130-year story of the A Scow. Known as the “Maxis of the Midwest,” the 38-foot flat-bottomed racers remain one of America’s fastest and most physically demanding one-design classes. Just as importantly, they remain one of its strongest communities. Many of today’s competitors first learned to sail X Boats before progressing through the MC, C, and E Scow fleets. Parents become crew. Children become helmsmen. When one generation steps aside, the next is ready to take the helm.
"The A Scow is one of the best classes in the world,” said Huerth. “We call them the Maxis of the Midwest for a reason. America's Cup sailors, Olympic sailors... Every race is a dogfight right off the line.”
Torch Lake proved a spectacular stage. Caribbean-blue water, towering pines, and long northern Michigan summer evenings framed three days of championship racing. Ashore, Torch Lake Yacht Club showcased the very best of Midwest hospitality. An army of volunteers welcomed competitors with flawless organization, lively socials, generous hospitality, a great band, and lively parties on the point, overlooking one of America’s most beautiful inland lakes.
That hospitality did not go unnoticed. During the trophy presentation, nearly every acceptance speech paused to thank Torch Lake Yacht Club and its volunteers for creating a first-class championship experience.
The class also welcomed George Rolfs as the new owner of the iconic Melvin, while hometown entries Ship of Fools, Redfish, and Bluefish proudly represented Torch Lake Yacht Club on home waters.
The National Class A Scow Association extends its sincere appreciation to Torch Lake Yacht Club, the event’s volunteers, Baird Wealth Management, local sponsors, the Inland Lake Yachting Association, Bilge Pullers, and everyone whose support continues to strengthen A Scow sailing.
The fleet now turns its attention to the Inland Lake Yachting Association Championship on Lake Minnetonka later this summer, hosted by Minnetonka Yacht Club. The 2027 A Scow National Championship will also be contested on Lake Minnetonka, June 25-27, where another chapter in one of American sailing's richest traditions awaits.