The 2024 Chubb U.S. Youth Triplehanded Championship, also known as the Sears Cup, is set to take place from August 5-8 at the San Diego Yacht Club. This esteemed event is a highlight in the youth sailing calendar, drawing the best young sailors from across the United States to compete in a highly challenging and competitive environment. First sailed in 1921, the Sears Cup is US Sailing’s oldest national championship trophy and the original youth sailing national championship.
Event Overview
The championship will feature races in J22s with crews of four people this year. Teams will navigate through a series of races, testing their skills in boat handling, tactics, and teamwork. This event is not only a test of individual sailing prowess but also a showcase of collaboration and strategic execution on the water, allowing top youth sailors to experience keelboat racing.
“This event encourages youth sailors to step into keelboats and put together a bigger team representing their clubs and regions,” said John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Competition Manager. “We want to help youth sailors transition from the one and two-person boats that dominate youth sailing, into the bigger boats and larger crews that they will sail for the rest of their lives. It’s a pathway to lifelong racing, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
Venue
The San Diego Yacht Club, established in 1886, is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States, renowned for its active participation in both local and international sailing competitions. Located in Southern California, it offers a wide range of amenities and programs for its members, including sailing instruction, racing, and social events.
Participants
Teams qualify for the U.S. Youth Triplehanded Championship for the Sears Cup via their Area’s Qualifier. Each of the 11 Areas recognized by US Sailing held an Area Qualifier regatta to determine the two teams that will represent their region at the National Championship.
Young sailors who have qualified through the regional events will converge in San Diego, representing their sailing clubs and regions. The championship serves as a platform for these sailors to demonstrate their abilities, gain valuable experience, and connect with other young sailors from all over the country.
Competitors must have reached their 13th birthday but not their 19th in the calendar year to be eligible.
Schedule
The event spans four days, starting with registration and a clinic, with coaching provided by US Sailing on August 5, followed by three days of intense racing from August 6 – 8. Each day will feature multiple races, with the cumulative results determining the overall standings and eventual champions.
Importance & History
The Chubb U.S. Youth Triplehanded Championship for the Sears Cup is US Sailing’s National Championship for three-person, triplehanded youth teams (occasionally four-person boats are used, such as this year) and serves as a pathway into keelboat racing. The National Championship regatta is typically held in early August, with the Area Qualifier regattas taking place earlier in the year, typically in June and July.
The Sears Cup is more than just a competition; it is a tradition that fosters the growth of young sailors, encouraging them to strive for excellence and sportsmanship. Winning this championship is a prestigious honor, and past winners have often gone on to achieve significant success in college sailing, national, and international sailing events.
For more details on the event, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-chubb-us-youth-triplehanded-championship/