Edgewater Yacht Club (EYC) has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious St. Petersburg Yacht Club Trophy, recognizing exceptional race management at a single sailing event. The award follows EYC’s successful hosting of the 2025 Ensign National Championship, which brought a 30-boat fleet to Cleveland for four days of competitive racing last August.
Emblematic of excellence in race management, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club Trophy is awarded annually to a local sailing organization that demonstrates outstanding execution of a regatta. In addition to operational performance, feedback from participating sailors plays a significant role in the selection process.
The selection committee cited several standout strengths of the Ensign National Championship. The race committee, led by Principal Race Officer Matt Bounds, was praised for its experience, precision, and coordination. Facing light and variable conditions, the team delivered fair and efficient racing, completing a practice race and 11 championship races over four days. The committee also highlighted the race committee’s clear communication with competitors and effective use of local resources.
Beyond race management, EYC was recognized for seamless event logistics, including organized launching and hauling, as well as a series of high-quality social events that complemented the on-the-water competition.
Competitors were effusive in their praise. One participant shared, “Having raced for 50 years, this was the best managed regatta I have sailed. Very methodical. No sitting and waiting for the race committee. I hope they run the next event I am in.” Another noted, “I think that all participants experienced a full and fun week of racing and were glad that they had competed in the event.” A third competitor added, “The Yacht Club facilities, race committee and food service were all fantastic. The banquet was well organized, efficient, and quite enjoyable. The local members were always extremely helpful with any and all questions, needs and concerns.”
Karen Ford, 2025 Commodore of Edgewater Yacht Club, reflected on the honor: “Receiving the St. Petersburg Trophy is an honor that every one of our members, present and future, will cherish. Connecting Edgewater Yacht Club with the 2025 Ensign National Championship Regatta makes it even more meaningful, as the Ensigns are one of our most popular one-design fleets. The Club is overwhelmingly appreciative of our management and staff and of US Sailing.”
The trophy will be presented in person at Cleveland Race Week in June.