US Sailing is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 David Storrs Match Racing Grant, an initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of match racers through funding, mentorship, and access to high-level competition. This year’s recipients, Noah Robitshek and Julia Jaynes, exemplify the passion, commitment, and sportsmanship that define the future of match racing in the United States. Each will receive a $5,000 grant to support expenses related to advancing their match racing careers.
Noah Robitshek’s journey into match racing began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he discovered the discipline through online seminars led by Dave Perry. What started as a way to stay engaged quickly became a defining passion. “It sparked a passion for this new subset of sailing, and I fell in love with the binary nature of the sport,” Robitshek said. Throughout his collegiate sailing career, Noah continued to pursue match racing, organizing teams, traveling to compete, and seeking out opportunities to grow. His experiences in Marblehead and Bristol introduced him to a thriving match racing community and influential mentors, including U.S. Match Racing Committee Chair Pearson Potts.
“Everyone was there to have a good time while equally pushing each other to become better sailors and match racers,” he said. “To have the opportunity to be a recipient of this grant is a dream come true.”
As a grant recipient, Noah is eager to expand his team racing experience, mentor others, and give back to the sport that has shaped his sailing journey. “I’m extremely excited to…learn, teach, give back, adventure, and promote the sport for the amazing opportunity that it is,” he added.
Julia Jaynes has demonstrated remarkable dedication to advancing her match racing career over the past year. Recognizing match racing as a powerful avenue for growth, she has embraced the challenges and opportunities the discipline offers. “This grant means so much to me as I grow as a female match racer in the U.S.,” Jaynes said. “Match racing has been the quickest way I have learned and grown as a sailor.” As a female athlete in a competitive sailing landscape, Julia is committed to elevating her performance while helping to expand opportunities for women in the sport.
“I’m excited to see what this year will bring under the mentorship of Steve Flam and the support of the grant,” she said. “Thank you to David Storrs and US Sailing for providing this opportunity.”
The David Storrs Match Racing Grant honors the legacy of a passionate advocate for the sport by investing in sailors who embody its core values: skill, sportsmanship, and a commitment to growth. By providing financial assistance and access to experienced mentors, the program plays a vital role in strengthening the pipeline of U.S. match racing talent.
US Sailing and the U.S. Match Racing Committee are happy to continue to support young sailors like Noah Robitshek and Julia Jaynes with this well-deserved recognition and look forward to following their continued success on and off the water.
You can support the future of match racing by donating to the David Storrs Match Racing Fund today to help expand this program, empower emerging sailors, and ensure that the next generation has the resources and mentorship needed to succeed: https://www.ussailing.org/about/giving/david-storrs-match-racing-fund/