Clagett Sailing, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for sailors with disabilities, is proud to announce that the 2026 U.S. Para Sailing Championship will be held as part of the internationally recognized C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta. This continued integration highlights both the competitive excellence and the strong sense of community that define Para Sailing at its highest level.
Now entering its 24th year, the Clagett Regatta has become a cornerstone event in adaptive sailing, bringing together athletes from across the country to Learn, Race, Win. By combining the U.S. Para Sailing Championship with the Clagett Regatta, competitors will experience not only elite racing, but also the camaraderie and support that make this event truly unique.
“Hosting the U.S. Para Sailing Championship within the Clagett Regatta is incredibly meaningful to us,” said Stephanie McLennan, President of Clagett Sailing and Co-Chair of this year’s event. “This event is about more than competition—it’s about community. Sailors come here to challenge themselves, but they also leave with friendships, confidence, and a stronger connection to the sport.”
Para Sailing is distinguished by its inclusivity and the collaborative spirit among athletes. At the Clagett Regatta, that spirit is on full display. Competitors of all experience levels benefit from access to outstanding coaching and highly experienced race officials, creating an environment that supports both high-performance racing and personal growth. Through the event and related programming, the organization promotes skill development, sportsmanship, and camaraderie, helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the water.
Clagett Sailing has previously hosted the U.S. Para Sailing Championship and embraces the opportunity to serve again as part of a rotating host model. Unlike a traditional hosting yacht club, Clagett Sailing is a nonprofit organization focused entirely on supporting Para Sailing. Its continued growth over more than two decades reflects a dedication to expanding access, increasing participation, and elevating the level of competition in the sport. The organization is known for delivering a world-class event experience while remaining deeply committed to athlete development and fun – on and off the water.
One of the most impactful aspects of the event is the progression of the athletes themselves. “Our favorite part of hosting is seeing how sailors grow each year and the way the sailors Reach for Success,” McLennan added. “They improve on the water, gain confidence, and become part of a community that supports them long after the regatta ends.”
In addition to the championship regatta, Clagett Sailing will host its annual fundraiser on September 24 in Middletown, Rhode Island, helping to sustain and expand its programs for future generations of sailors.
As the 2026 U.S. Para Sailing Championship approaches, Clagett Sailing remains committed to its mission—fostering excellence, building community, and ensuring that sailors with disabilities have the opportunity to compete and thrive at the highest level. The event will include a pre-race clinic and three full racing days for singlehanded (2.4Metre) and doublehanded (Martin 16) modalities. Join the sailors and the race committee this summer in Newport June 23-28, 2026 for an unforgettable experience.
For more information including the Notice of Race and Registration, visit https://clagettsailing.org/Information