Note: This event will be livestreamed on August 17 – 18 on ussailing.org
The Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, Maryland, is set to host the prestigious 2024 U.S. Team Racing Championship for the George R. Hinman Trophy from August 16-18. Known for its competitive spirit and scenic backdrop, the championship, nicknamed The Hinman, draws top-tier sailors from across the nation, showcasing extraordinary team racing at its finest.
Severn Sailing Association’s location offers a challenging and dynamic racing environment in the Chesapeake Bay with its variable wind conditions and tidal influences, promising an exciting and unpredictable competition in the waters right off the United States Naval Academy.
“SSA was looking for a US Sailing Championship that would speak to our strengths in small boat racing, and the U.S. Team Race Championship for the Hinman Trophy seemed to be a perfect fit,” said Lisa Pline, Regatta Chair. “Our location at the confluence of Spa Creek, the Severn River, and the Chesapeake Bay makes for excellent spectating for short course events.”
The event will also feature a livestream with commentary sponsored by GoPro running on the final two days on August 17 – 18.
“The Hinman is probably the most competitive team race in the world and has been for some time,” says Clinton Hayes, US Sailing Team Racing Committee Chair. “I think this is pretty special and want to support and grow the event.”
Event Highlights 
Venue: Severn Sailing Association, Annapolis, MD
Dates: August 15-18, 2024
Eligibility: This is an application-only event that requires all six members of each team to submit a team name, application fee, and comprehensive sailing resume, highlighting team racing experience and previous event results. All competitors must have an active US Sailing membership at the time of competition.
Format: 3v3 team racing, featuring six-person teams in a round-robin format followed by knockout stages and final rounds.
Boats: The event will be sailed in Collegiate FJs, two-person dinghies known for their agility and versatility, supplied by both Severn and the United States Naval Academy. Teams are made up of six competitors spread across three boats.
Teams to Watch
Doomsday
Doomsday is set to arrive on scene with an agenda to win. Comprised of the talented group of Spencer Cartwright, Sonia Lingos-Utley, Colin Merrick, Claire Buckley, Mackenzie Bryan, and Michaela O’Donnell, they have the leadership of Merrick, a six-time Hinman champion, and former member of the famed Silver Panda team. Merrick has the most wins as Hinman competitor in U.S. Team Racing Championship history.
Savin Hill Yacht Club
A team made entirely of Boston College Sailing alumni standouts; Savin Hill Yacht Club is expected to make waves at this year’s Hinman. The team, named after the Dorchester, Massachusetts yacht club that serves as Boston College’s sailing venue, is comprised of Sophia Reineke, Lilly Mathieu, Scotty Sinks, Laura Ferraris, Wade Waddell, and Colleen O’Brien.
Jet Lag
This 2017 Hinman champion team returns year after year. Comprised of Stanford University Sailing Team alumni, the team name originates from the University’s team travel from the West Coast to frequent East Coast regattas in College Sailing. Mateo Vargas, Oliver Toole, Kevin Labe, Samantha Steele, Carolyn Kelly Ortel, and Yuri Namikawa are back at the Hinman for 2024.
Rock City Cruising Club
Named after the nickname given to the island of St. Thomas in the USVI, Rock City Cruising Club is comprised of Yale and Georgetown Sailing alumni, with three team members native to the USVI. Shawn Harvey, Anisha Arcot, Teddy Nicolosi, Graceann Nicolosi, Sean Segerblom, and Caroline Teare are testing their college sailing talents at this US Sailing Championship. Five of six members of this team were crowned Hinman champions in 2022 under the name Blueberry Faygo.
Los Huevos
Los Huevos return to defend their title from 2023. Justin Callahan, Marbella Marlo, Mitchell Callahan, Sara Schumann, Lachlain McGranahan, and Libby Redmond make up the same team from last year’s win.
What to Expect
As for what competitors can expect at the event, “A high level of competition and ton of fun,” said Hayes. “The Hinman is a large championship with 144 competitors almost equally divided male and female. There’s lots of energy and I hope everyone enjoys it. I also hope those who we couldn’t accept – 38 teams applied – are inspired to work hard and team race more to get an invite next year.”
The 2024 U.S. Team Racing Championship promises thrilling races, fierce competition, and the display of exceptional sailing prowess. As teams vie for the coveted Hinman Trophy, spectators and participants alike can look forward to a memorable regatta at the Severn Sailing Association.
To access the livestream on August 17 – 18, please visit: ussailing.org
For more information on the event and to see the full list of competitors, please visit: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-team-racing-championship/