The 2024 U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship, hosted by Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station, showcased a thrilling competition among some of the finest female sailors in the nation. The event took place over a three-day period, from August 2 – 4, preceded by a clinic led by Chris Kennedy on August 1. The regatta featured a series of intense races on the challenging waters of Lake Michigan.
After a hard-fought regatta, Allie Blecher, and her team of Katja Sertl, Alana Marks, and Alicia Blumenthal, emerged as the 2024 U.S. Womens Match Racing Champions and winners of the Allegra Knapp Mertz Trophy. This is Blecher’s third consecutive win and fourth time in her career.
The championship kicked off with a round-robin series, where each team competed against every other team to determine the seeding for the knockout rounds. As the regatta moved into the knockout stages, the intensity ramped up. The quarterfinals saw several close matches, with teams pushing their limits to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The final day was marked by high stakes matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In the semifinals, Blecher’s team secured their spot in the finals after a hard-fought battle against Janel Martin. First time competitor, Lindsay Baab emerged as the other finalist from an exciting semifinal matchup against local competitor, Bridget Groble.
The races were a true testament to the skill and determination of both teams. In the end, Blecher’s team clinched the championship with a 3-0 victory, showcasing their superior boat handling, tactical decisions, and seamless teamwork.
“The biggest thank you I want to say is to the competitors,” said Belcher. “Thank you for pushing us and continuing to push us to the next level – that is epic! It was super fun.”
This year’s championship highlighted the growing competitiveness and talent in women’s match racing, setting a high bar for future events. The Chicago Yacht Club’s excellent organization and the support from sponsors and volunteers ensured a memorable experience for all participants and spectators.
- Allie Blecher, Alana Marks, Katja Sertl, Alicia Blumenthal
- Lindsey Baab, Elena VandenBerg, Kate Shiber, Kaitlyn Baab
- Janel Martin, Madeline Baldridge, Rose Edwards, Meaghan MacRae
- Bridget Groble, Marley Mais, Samantha Foulston, Morgan Collins
- Marilyn Cassedy, Carling Freeborn, Gretchen Croll, Megan Marsh
- Caroline Bayless, Abigail Tindall, Nora Ong, Trish Gerli
- Blake Oberbauer, Nicole Breault, Molly Vandemoer, Hailey Thompson
- Sydney Monahan, Jewel ‘Min Min’ Kelly, Kelly Bates, Ciara Rodriguez
- Gwynie Dunlevy, Miia Newmann, Whitney Kent, Eva Fortunato
- Danielle Gallo, Deiane Abajos Onaindia, Kathleya Afanador, Gabriela Borges
Off the water, competitors celebrated together and enjoyed Dark ‘n Stormys each day after racing, thanks to Goslings Black Seal and Ginger Beer, plus the brand-new Goslings Peach Ginger Beer. The regatta dinner and toasts featured Sextant Wines, including a Central Coast Chardonnay and Kamal Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Competitors were also gifted a highly functional 25L dry bag from Gill – perfect for women sailors on the go!
Congratulations to all the teams for their exceptional performances and to Allie Blecher and her team for their outstanding victory!
For full results and more information, please visit, https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-womens-match-racing-championship/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI65rK_b_RhwMVkjUIBR0jiRnREAAYASAAEgLPoPD_BwE