ILCA 7Chapman Petersen

Chapman grew up in Wisconsin sailing scows and dinghies with family and friends on Geneva Lake, starting at age 5. He fell in love with a wide variety of youth and adult classes in the Midwest, before qualifying for multiple international experiences in the Optimist class. 

Petersen’s early career achievements have been across an impressive variety of circuits, including multiple championships in the youth classes of the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA), and dominating the ILCA 6 class as ISSA High School National Champion (2019), US Sailing Youth Champion (2021, 2019), ILCA US National Champion (2021), ILCA North American Champion (2019), multiple championships in the US Sailing Open Olympic Class Regattas (2021), and medaling at the ILCA 6 World Youth Championship (2021).

After his final Youth World Championship (ILCA 6) in late 2021, Chapman immediately transitioned into the ILCA 7, adding significant strength and weight over the next year.  Having sailed the men’s Olympic class for only 13 months, Chapman (age 19) has continued his impressive trajectory, winning the 2022 ICSA College National Championship and the 2023 qualification series for the 2023 Olympic Test Event (France) and 2023 Pan American Games (Chile). 

Chapman credits his racing trajectory with his experiences in diverse racing formats (team racing, fleet racing, match racing), different crew ranges (single-handed, double-handed, triple/quadruple-handed, and 6-7 person A scows), and a wide selection of boats including Melges Scows, Moths, Iceboats, and of course, the ILCA.

Petersen is also a first year at Stanford University, studying Management Science & Engineering and competing for the Stanford varsity sailing team while driving toward his dream to represent the USA at the 2024 Olympics.