Southern California once again delivered perfect sailing conditions for the 2025 U.S. Para Sailing Championship, hosted by Coronado Yacht Club. Over three days of racing, 26 sailors representing four nations (USA, CAN, CHI, MEX) completed 11 races in steady winds and relatively flat water on San Diego Bay.
Competition came down to the wire in both the Hansa 303 and Martin 16 fleets, with champions decided on the final leg of the final race. In the Hansa 303 class, Julie Smith (USA) edged out Bridget Bodo (USA) by less than two feet at the finish to claim the Goldman Perpetual Trophy, with Jim Thweatt (USA) securing bronze just one point behind. In the Martin 16 fleet, Michael Lung and Scott Kolb (HI, USA) overtook Jane Pimentel and Jessica Koenig (CT, USA) in the closing race to capture the Chandler Hovey Trophy.
For both winning teams, this is their first appearance at the U.S. Para Sailing Championship. Smith was proud to hoist the Judd Goldman Perpetual Trophy overhead while Lung and Kolb’s names will be engraved on the Chandler Hovey Trophy.
Regatta Chair Scott Buck praised the event’s competitors and community support: “It is always a pleasure to host an event where all the competitors show such a high level of sportsmanship and camaraderie. With so many organizations and volunteers working together, we’re able to showcase our venue and provide a true championship experience.”
“It is always great to see such close competition out on the water, with battles ensuing between many individuals for podium places. This year saw quite a few sailors that were new to this event, each of them bringing fresh faces along with differing levels of experience,” said Betsy Alison, Director of Adult Programs at US Sailing. “The most remarkable was the participation of our youngest sailor, 18 year old Brallon Lopes from Mexico, who just took up sailing about two months ago at Lake Washington Sailing Club. Participation by these new sailors ensures a bright future for Para Sailing.”
The championship was made possible with generous support from Challenged Sailors San Diego, the KMAC Foundation, Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS), Treasure (TISC) Island Sailing Center, Lake Washington Sailing Club, and West Sacramento Inclusive Sailing Foundation, all of whom supplied boats at no cost to the competitors. Race Officer Becky Ashburn and her team ensured top-quality racing throughout the weekend, even as competitors faced challenges from naval exercises and San Diego Bay traffic.
Sailors were treated to top-tier social events throughout the weekend, with Sextant Wines providing an excellent selection of wines to complement the Championship menu and Goslings rum and ginger beer providing cocktail support.