OYSTER BAY, N.Y. (October 19, 2017) – The excitement and fast-paced action of team racing takes the spotlight this week in Oyster Bay at the 2017 U.S. Team Racing Championship, hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club. Teams will be racing for the historic George R. Hinman Trophy over three days beginning Friday, October 20 through Sunday, October 22.
First held in 1981, the U.S. Team Racing Championship remains one of the hottest events in the country. This year’s Championship features an impressive list of accomplished teams and experienced team racers, many of whom have competed in and won this Championship in years past. From top-notch one-design sailors in fleet racing circles to current and former high-level college sailors and coaches, this US Sailing National Championship attracts a wide range of sailors, both men and women. Here is the list of teams competing this week.
This premier team racing event in the United States is an invitational event. Interested teams applied by resume and international teams are invited to compete. The championship is raced in three-boat/six-person teams (three skippers and three crews). Teams will be racing the 420E from Zim Sailing. The 420E features enclosed deck technology ideal for high school and college sailing.
Racing Format and Course Area (subject to change)
- Qualifying Round Robin Series
- Gold/Silver Round Robin Seeding Series
- Knock-out Series – Top 4 Teams: Semifinals, Finals, Petit Finals
*The racing area will be on Oyster Bay as close to the club as practical.
The highest finishing U.S. team (all members must be U.S. citizens) will be named United States Team Racing Champions.
Team racing is one of the most popular disciplines in sailing. Over 100 races can be sailed in just a few days. Races, or flights, are shorter than traditional race courses and are raced on a “Digital N” course. Three flights can race simultaneously with teams swapping out after each race with each team wearing a unique identifying pinny or bib.
The regatta was initiated by Sailing World magazine, and after years of growth and popularity, the event was adopted by US Sailing and became known as the U.S. Team Racing Championship for the George R. Hinman Trophy. The trophy was donated in recognition of George R. Hinman’s many years of service and contributions to sailing.
Event Coverage & Social Media
- For results and standings, real-time Twitter updates, photos, and more information from the 2017 U.S. Team Racing Championship, please visit the event website.
- Facebook Live: We will be live streaming the racing periodically throughout the championship. Follow US Sailing on Facebook for live streaming updates and alerts.
- For breaking news and race results, follow Twitter hashtag – #Hinman17 – and participate in the conversation throughout the championship on all social media platforms.
The 2017 U.S. Team Racing Championship is sponsored by Gill North America, Zim Sailing, Regatta Ginger Beer, Old Pulteney, and Hobie Polarized.
US Sailing Media Contact: Jake Fish, jakefish@ussailing.org
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and advancement for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.
About Gill North America
Gill NA, with headquarters near Atlanta, GA is the exclusive importer and distributor of Gill-brand foul weather gear in North America including Caribbean, US and Canada. Gill is a worldwide apparel and accessories brand serving the marine industry with over three decades of experience. Gill specializes in high tech, breathable waterproof clothing. The company develops and markets a variety of performance-oriented, award-winning apparel and accessories for virtually every type of boating activity with product lines that include foul weather gear; interactive layering systems; footwear; gloves; bags; junior gear; scholastic gear and team wear. Gill products are available through hundreds of independent dealers and select West Marine Stores. For further information, please contact: Gary Barker at 941 505 2111 or gary.barker@gillna.com.
About Zim Sailing
Zim Sailing, headquartered in Warren, RI is the fastest growing manufacturer of one-design sailboats in North America. Currently, Zim manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of training, recreational and performance sailboats in North America. Zim is best known for its C420, Optimist, Byte CII and CFJ. The durability of Zim boats has been proven at all levels to include High Schools, Colleges, Yacht Clubs, and Community Sailing Centers along with the passionate dinghy sailor. In addition, the Zim performance has elevated sailors to podium finishes at several local, regional, National and North American championships since the company’s creation in 2008. Zim is dedicated to the success and growth of dinghy sailing and Zim’s experienced staff and support vehicles can be found at many regattas. For more information please visit www.zimsailing.com or email info@zimsailing.com.
About Regatta Ginger Beer
Regatta is a brand premium craft mixers using the finest natural ingredients to create distinctive flavors. Our flagship product – Regatta Ginger Beer – comes together with notes of ginger and hints of citrus to make an extremely clean tasting and refreshing ginger beer that’s perfect for mixing cocktails or enjoying by itself. Regatta craft mixers and sodas are non-alcoholic, non-gmo and gluten free. Regatta Ginger Beer was awarded the 2017 “Platinum Medal” in the prestigious International SIP Award competition and was also the 2017 Consumer’s Choice Award winner. Regatta has been deeply rooted in supporting the sport of sailing since it’s inception and is proud to be the Official Ginger Beer of US Sailing.
About Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is strongly rooted in the whisky’s nautical heritage and is commonly referred to as ‘The Maritime Malt.’ Old Pulteney is the Official Scotch of US Sailing and recently released a limited-edition ‘Navigator’ expression, commemorating the brand’s sponsorship of the 2013-2014 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Crafted in Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland, the distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson in the heart of “Pulteneytown,” one of the largest fishing ports in Europe. Each Old Pulteney expression is carefully crafted and carries the windswept and rugged character of the North and the salty, fresh air of the North Sea. It is distributed by International Beverage, Inc. Visit Old Pulteney on Facebook or at www.oldpulteney.com for more information.
About Hobie Polarized
Hobie Polarized is a leading designer, developer, marketer and distributor of polarized eyewear. The brand’s innovative lens technology allows total glare reduction, 100% UV protection, enhances contrast and provides optimum visual acuity. The company’s products are sold worldwide and are used by watermen at all skill and lifestyle levels. The Hobie Polarized headquarters is located in Plainview, New York. For further information, please visit the company’s website at www.hobiepolarized.com.