US Sailing is turning 125!
For 125 years, we have served the sailing public - first as NAYRU, then as USYRU, and finally as US Sailing.
For 125 days, from June 27 through October 30 (the day of our founding in 1897) we will be celebrating with a series of videos, editorials, membership perks, and fun stories highlighting important moments in the sport. We invite you to honor history and impact the future with us!
Throughout 125 Years of US Sailing
125 Editorials Pieces
From the Desk of the President: Reflecting on 125 Years of US Sailing
A note from USSA Board President Rich Jepsen 125 years of US Sailing. Wow. As I started my first year as president of the board, I reflected on the long list of luminaries who served in my post before me. It’s a daunting list! I also reflected on how many times in those 125 years…
FROM THEN ‘TILL NOW: AMERICA’S EARLY SAILING LEGENDS
What does it take to become a Sailing Legend? These days, the criteria may seem obvious – an Olympic gold medalist, America’s Cup winner, or venerated ocean racer. But, like many things, the word “legend” has changed over time. One of America’s first venerated “sailing legends” was not revered for his racing abilities but rather his engineering talent.
Known as the “Wizard of Bristol,” Captain Nathanael Herreshoff was born in Bristol, RI (current home of the US Sailing office!) in 1848. He was an early graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s mechanical engineering program, and went on to found his own manufacturing.
FROM THEN ‘TILL NOW: SAILING IN THE OLYMPICS
Sailing has been a part of the Olympics since the dawn of the modern Olympiad in 1896 – only one year before the founding of the NAYRU, which later became US Sailing. The pathway of sailing in the Olympics and the evolution of US Sailing run (or sail?) a parallel course – as the sport evolved, so did its governing body and peak international competition.
A lot has changed over the last 126 years!
“It’s even visible in the name,” said Riley Schutt, Head of Technology for the US Sailing Team. “In the beginning, it was known as ‘Yachting,’ whereas now it is the program as ‘Sailing.’”
Our 125 Social Wall