BRISTOL, R.I. (September 9, 2025) – Twenty teams composed of National, North American, and World Champions and their crew representing 19 different one-design classes will converge at New Bedford Yacht Club in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, September 10–13, for the 50th edition of US Sailing’s Championship of Champions.
First held in 1976, the Championship of Champions is one of US Sailing’s most prestigious events, bringing together the nation’s top one-design class winners to compete in identical boats for the coveted Jack Brown Trophy. The 2025 anniversary edition will be sailed in the 15’ Sandpiper Catboat, highlighting the event’s tradition of rotating through unique and often unconventional fleets. Past Championships have been contested in Y Flyers, Harbor 20s, and even DragonFlite 95 RC sailboats.
A hallmark of the Championship of Champions is the inclusion of a “Mystery Guest,” a surprise competitor with a decorated sailing background. This year’s guest is none other than David Starck, the defending champion representing the Lightning Class. Starck’s return to the event will certainly challenge the fleet after his 2024 victory.
“Jenna and I are looking forward to spending time with top level sailors, friends, and meeting new people at the 50th US Sailing Championship of Champions regatta at New Bedford Yacht Club,” said Starck. “[C of C] is one of the most unique events I’ve ever sailed – it gets you together with people from other fleets, and often brings you to places ‘off the beaten path.’ We’re really excited to participate in another iteration of this event!”
The regatta also features several past Jack Brown Trophy winners who will be vying for another title. Bill Draheim, representing the MC Scow, is a two-time champion bringing proven experience to the start line, while Chris Raab, representing the Mercury class, the 2010 winner, returns 15 years later for another shot at glory.
“This year’s lineup of competitors represents the ‘best of the best;’ all are class champions across dinghies, keelboats and catamarans,” said Betsy Alison, US Sailing’s Adult Director and event OA Rep. “The classic 15′ Sandpiper catboat with a single sail gaff-rigged mainsail will be new to most of these sailors – leveling the competition across the course and emphasizing excellence in tactics and strategic thinking.”
Besides top-notch sailing, competitors will get superb hospitality from event partners and New Bedford Yacht Club. Sailors will open the event with a dinner on Wednesday, and enjoy a dinner sponsored by Marshall Marine on Friday. Goslings will be serving up Dark ‘n Stormys while Polar Selzter will provide a bubbly non-alcoholic option. The event winner will be able to celebrate in style with a bottle of Sextant Wines Sparking wine – nothing says Champion like a cool splash of Champagne after three days of top-notch racing.
Competition is expected to be fierce as some of the country’s—and world’s—most accomplished sailors battle it out in the classic design on Buzzards Bay. With a national and international champion stacked fleet, the 50th Championship of Champions will be one to remember.
As we head into the event, US Sailing would like to extend a special thank you to New Bedford Yacht Club, their dedicated staff, volunteers, and all the partners that makes this event a success:
US Sailing National Partners: Goslings, Polar Seltzer, and Sextant Wines
Local Partners: Buzzards Bay Brewing, Quantum Sails (Bristol, RI), Marshall Marine , Pleasant Bay Community Boating, Bank Five , West Marine, Sail Loft, SouthCoast Health, Sperry Tents, Boat US , BEV Legal, Coastal Financial, Common Sense Environmental Inc, Hoyt & Company Fine Builders, Sperry Sails, Moby Dick Brewing Co, M.S. Walker, West Marine, The DeAngelis Family, and The Hanlon Family.
For more information about the Championship of Champions, please visit the event website.