Founded in 1974, the U.S. Women's Open Championship served the interest of female sailors who wished to compete against other women at the national level in double and singlehanded boats. The regattas were organized along traditional one design racing lines where boat preparation is a factor, and no eliminations were required. A boardsailing championship was added in 1981. A one-day clinic typically preceded the three-day championship regatta.

The Adams Memorial Trophy for doublehanded sailing was presented by Mrs.Henry (Adams) Morgan, and the Committee presented the Mertz Trophy for singlehanded sailing to honor her as four-time winner of the U.S. Women’s National Championship and many years of service as Chairperson of the Women’s Championship Committee.

The first three-time winner of a Trophy is Betsy Gelenitis of Bricktown, NJ in the singlehanded. Cory Fischer Sertl won the doublehanded event five times, four as crew and one as skipper. Susan Lawser won both the single and doublehanded events. Notable winners who went on to compete in the Olympics are Courtney Becker Dey (1996 Europe Dinghy Bronze), J.J. Fetter Isler (1992 470 Bronze), Julia I. Trotman (1992 Europe Dinghy Bronze) and Lynne M. Jewel and Allison Blair Jolly, who both were winners of the singlehanded event, combined to win Gold Medals in the first women's Olympic event in 1988 in the 470 Class.

In 2000, a motion to change the event from fleet racing to match racing was passed.  The first U.S. Women's Match Racing Championship was held at Southern Yacht Club, November 11 - 14, 2001.  For more information see the U.S. Women's Match Racing Page.