The 2024 US Women’s Match Racing Championship will take place August 2–4 at the Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station. This prestigious event brings together some of the top female match racers from across the country, to compete for the coveted Allegra Knapp Mertz Trophy. The championship promises intense competition, showcasing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship on the waters of Lake Michigan.
Competitors to Watch
Allie Blecher
Allie Blecher is an accomplished match racer and USWMRC winner in 2019, 2022, and 2023 who has returned to defend her title. As a member of the Women’s World Match Racing Tour, she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and strategic acumen on the water.
Janel Martin
Janel Martin’s competitive spirit and precision in executing race tactics have earned her a spot among the top contenders. Her ability to adapt to changing conditions will be a significant advantage. Martin returns with her team of predominantly former Georgetown University sailors, after finishing fourth in 2023 and second in 2022.
Bridget Groble
Bridget Groble, a skilled sailor and local to Chicago, has made significant waves in the sport, particularly in match racing and collegiate sailing. Known for her resilience and exceptional teamwork, she continues to be a formidable presence on the water. Groble returns this year, after finishing second in 2023.
Blake Oberbauer
Blake Oberbauer is the youngest skipper at the event, and she is joined by seasoned crewmembers, Nicole Breault and Molly Vandemoer. Breault is a four-time U.S. Womens Match Racing Champion and Vandemoer is a 2012 Olympian, among other sailing accomplishments between them.
Caroline Bayless + Sydney Monahan
US Sailing is excited to welcome skippers, Caroline Bayless and Sydney Monahan, to the U.S. Womens Match Racing Championship, as they are both beneficiaries of the David Storrs Match Racing Grant Program. The David Storrs Grant, named after USMRC winner and great supporter of US Match Racing, David Storrs, is designed to help match race teams ages 19-29 to pay for expenses such as entry fees, travel expenses, and lodging for one full calendar year. Grantees are also given access to a match racing mentor to help guide them in their competition campaigns.
Event Highlights
Venue: Chicago Yacht Club, a leader in the match racing discipline, offers a stunning backdrop and challenging conditions, providing the perfect stage for high-stakes match racing.
Format: The championship will follow a round-robin format, ensuring that each team races against every other team. This will be followed by knockout stages, culminating in the finals.
Boats: The teams will race in Sonars, a class known for its tactical complexity and demand for precise handling with three or four crew members.
Clinic: Thursday will feature a match racing clinic coached by Chris Kennedy. Kennedy is a high-level match racing coach from Oakcliff Sailing and frequent member of Chris Poole’s Riptide Racing team.
“I hope that competitors will feel prepared with the pre-event clinic with dedicated match racing coaching funded by the USMRC David Storrs Fund,” said Janel Martin, U.S. Womens Match Racing Championship Event Committee Chair. “My favorite thing is sailing with my closest friends all day and catching up with other teams, umpires, RC, and volunteers once we get off the water. It is such a close-knit group that I have come to build relationships over the last decade.”
The 2024 U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship promises to be a thrilling event, with each team bringing their unique strengths to the water. Spectators can look forward to close-fought matches, strategic brilliance, and the crowning of the 2024 U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship Team!
For more information and to follow racing, please visit: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-womens-match-racing-championship/