The U.S. Offshore Championship, one of US Sailing’s most historically rich national events, will return to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, from October 3 – 5, 2025. Hosted by Navy Sailing, this prestigious event will be raced in Navy 44s, matched offshore training vessels that spotlight seamanship, strategic decision-making, and team coordination at the highest level.
Since its inception, the U.S. Offshore Championship has stood as a proving ground for the nation’s top amateur sailors, with a unique format that removes equipment advantages and centers on the sailors themselves. The boats are one design, provided by the U.S. Naval Academy, ensuring that every team races on a level playing field.
The event is managed by US Sailing’s Offshore Championship Committee, chaired by Bruce Bingman, a veteran of offshore racing and former championship competitor. Bingman brings both passion and experience to the role.
“I sailed in the 2001 championship and our team took the bronze medal,” Bingman said. “It was a great experience to race against top teams from around the country. I want more sailors to have that same opportunity.”
This year’s setting offers more than just top-tier racing conditions; it connects competitors to a sailing program with deep institutional roots. The U.S. Naval Academy has a storied maritime tradition dating back to its founding in 1845, and sailing has long played a central role in shaping the character, leadership, and seamanship of future naval officers. The Academy’s sailing program, housed within the Robert Crown Sailing Center, is one of the largest and most competitive in the country, with more than 100 midshipmen participating in varsity, junior varsity, and offshore teams. The offshore program prepares midshipmen for the physical and mental demands of life at sea, through rigorous training aboard the Academy’s fleet of Navy 44s.
Nelson Pemberton, the 2025 Regatta Chair, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the event. “This is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity for civilian teams to sail with and learn from the Naval Academy Offshore Team, while gaining a firsthand look at the lives of the Midshipmen preparing for service. The connections formed here are meaningful and lasting.”
The championship trophy, named for Lloyd Phoenix, a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1861 and Rear Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, adds a layer of historical resonance. Phoenix was a Civil War veteran who famously raced his 171-foot schooner Intrepid to victory in 1909. The trophy was rediscovered decades later and dedicated to the Offshore Championship in 1985, symbolizing the enduring ties between American naval heritage and competitive sailing. It now calls the Robert Crown Sailing Center at the Naval Academy home.
Applications for the 2025 U.S. Offshore Championship are now open through July 15, 2025. The challenge awaits and teams with the talent, discipline, and teamwork to rise to the occasion are encouraged to apply. To learn more and begin the application process, visit the event website. Teams can contact US Sailing directly by emailing adultchampionships@ussailing.org with any questions or for direct support with their applications.