- for the Chandler Hovey Jr. Trophy & the Judd Goldman Trophy
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First established in 1986, the U.S. Independence Cup became US SAILING's national championship for disabled sailors in 1989. For many years it was organized by the Disabled Sailing Committee and was run in conjunction with the North American Challenge Cup, which is hosted by Chicago Yacht Club.
In 2007, the regatta moved under the
Championships division of US SAILING and was renamed the U.S. Disabled
Sailing Championship. The following year,
the championship moved from Chicago
Yacht Club to begin the travel around the country.
The first hosts were American Yacht Club and Larchmont Yacht Clubs who will
again co-host in 2011.
The Chandler Hovey, Jr. Trophy was donated at the 1994
Independence Cup by A.G.A. Correa and Co. to US SAILING. "Buzz" Hovey, for whom
it is named, was active in 12 Metre racing in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s with
the family owned Twelve, Easterner. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1947, he
continued, nonetheless, to sail and race actively, especially in his Shields Class boat,
until 1981 when he retired from the racing circuit.
Peter Goldman donated the Judd Goldman Trophy in honor of Justin
“Judd” Goldman (1914-1989) who, despite his own physical disability, was an
accomplished sailor and inspired the creation of the Judd Goldman Adaptive
Sailing Program, Chicago, Illinois.
While there have been
several repeat winners, only Karen Mitchell of Deerfield Beach, FL has won
four times while Robie Pierce of Newport, RI has won thrice.
Many competitors at the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championships have gone on to
represent the United States at the Paralympics Games including all team
members of the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team.
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