We are pleased to share that the first two newly relaunched US Sailing Regional Symposiums have been successfully completed. The first was held in Hilton Head, in conjunction with the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA) Annual Meeting, followed by a second gathering in Seattle in partnership with The Sailing Foundation at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle.
Across both events, approximately 140 participants came together to exchange insights, collaborate on shared challenges, and strengthen their regional networks. The symposiums fostered meaningful dialogue, sparked new partnerships, and created tangible opportunities for collaboration.
In-person gatherings—whether large or small—consistently prove energizing and motivating. I had the opportunity to attend the Seattle symposium and found it particularly impactful. Sessions covered a broad range of timely topics, including effective governance and staff-board relationships, instructional techniques for Optimist programs, and an in-depth insurance Q&A with a representative from Risk Strategies. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, participants engaged in thoughtful discussions around organizational successes and shared challenges, reinforcing the value of peer learning across our community.
These symposiums also provide an important platform for US Sailing to present our new strategic plan and outline our priorities for growing the sport over the next three years. They offer a valuable opportunity to increase awareness of the full breadth of support and resources US Sailing provides. Matt Hill, Whitney Kent, Peri Burns, and Sydney Hough were in attendance, contributing their expertise and leading productive roundtable conversations.
We extend our sincere thanks to our hosts—The Sailing Foundation, the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle, and SAYRA—as well as our partners who supported these events, including Risk Strategies, Polar Beverages, Zim Sailing, and West Coast Sailing.
The Regional Symposiums are a key component of our 2025–2028 strategic plan, which emphasizes deepening partnerships with clubs, classes, and community organizations nationwide. Strengthening these relationships is central to one of our three strategic pillars: inspiring and supporting the sailing community.
We look forward to two additional Regional Symposiums in the coming weeks: in New England at the Bristol Yacht Club on March 18, and in the Midwest at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club on March 21. Agenda topics will include equipment and safety best practices, hiring and visa guidance, expanded learning opportunities related to insurance, and facilitated networking sessions. Speakers will include representatives from US Sailing and regional sailing programs.
In addition to the Regional Symposiums, we recently hosted the National Coaching Symposium at the Melges Performance Sailing Center in Florida. US Sailing’s efforts were led by John Pearce, Phil Muller, Rosie Chapman, Whitney Kent, and Lexi Pline. Concurrently, Betsy Alison was in New Orleans at Community Sailing New Orleans, delivering an Adaptive Sailing Instructor Workshop designed to help expand access and better serve sailors with disabilities.
For those involved in offshore and big boat sailing, please keep an eye out for upcoming dates for this year’s Offshore Roadshows, building on the success of our 2024 series.
US Sailing remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth as we continue to deepen our nationwide presence and engagement.