US Sailing’s Most Storied Invitational Returns in 2025 with a Community Effort to Celebrate Its Golden Issue
In 2025, US Sailing will mark the 50th edition of its Championship of Champions (CofC), a milestone year for the elite invitational that brings together the best of the best U.S. sailors in one design sailing. First held twice in 1976, the CofC has grown into one of the sport’s most anticipated events, showcasing National, North American, and World Champions from a variety of one design classes, all racing head-to-head in identical boats.
This year’s regatta, hosted by New Bedford Yacht Club (NBYC) in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, will highlight the spirit of collaboration that has defined the championship for five decades. With Sandpiper boats supplied by volunteer organizations and private owners, along with the direct support of Marshall Marine and Pleasant Bay Community Boating, the 50th edition promises to be both fiercely competitive and deeply celebratory.
The Championship of Champions is unlike any other US Sailing event. To be considered, U.S. sailors must have won a National, North American, or World Championship in a recognized one design fleet. From dozens of applications, 20 competitors are selected, including a special “Mystery Guest.” Throughout racing, sailors rotate through identical boats, eliminating equipment advantages and placing pure skill at the forefront.
The 2025 regatta will be sailed in the Sandpiper, a traditional gaff-rigged catboat manufactured by Marshall Marine. Known for its stability and classic New England aesthetic, the Sandpiper is an unexpected but exciting choice for this year’s fleet.
“Over the last few years, our local Sandpiper fleet has been growing in popularity,” said Geoff Marshall, NBYC member and 2025 Event Chair. “Our Sailing Director, Bri Grenier, suggested that the Sandpiper and Buzzards Bay would make a great combination for this event. We’re proud to showcase our club facilities, staff, and dedicated volunteers to sailors from across the country.”
Located on the shores of Buzzards Bay, featuring a world-class racecourse, New Bedford Yacht Club’s renowned history makes it an ideal venue for the 2025 Championship of Champions. Known for its challenging conditions, the Bay’s reliable sea breezes and waves will test even the most experienced sailors. NBYC hosts a thriving calendar of racing, including Optimists, Sonars, Lasers, PHRF fleets and, of course, Sandpipers. The club’s active junior program has recently produced standout sailors, a testament to its commitment to growing the sport at all levels.
“I’m excited that these top-level competitors will get to experience the Sandpiper,” said Marshall, who also owns Marshall Marine. “It’s a traditional catboat which will place most sailors outside their comfort zone, but they’ll quickly discover these boats are sportier than their reputation suggests. Buzzards Bay conditions will only add to the challenge—and the fun.”
Marshall Marine has been building old school and elegant catboats for over six decades. Their deep ties to the local sailing community and hands-on support for the CofC embody the event’s spirit of collaboration. Sailing has always been about community and nowhere is that more evident than in the efforts of the Pleasant Bay Community Boating. Volunteers from Pleasant Bay will provide critical on-the-water support, additional boats, and operational assistance throughout the regatta. Their involvement highlights the collective effort needed to stage an event of this magnitude.
This grassroots support underscores the theme of the 50th edition: it truly takes a village to bring champions together. The 2025 Championship of Champions will be a celebration of five decades of sailing excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. With challenging conditions, a unique fleet, and the backing of a passionate community, the golden edition is set to be unforgettable.
“This is one of the most meaningful championships US Sailing runs,” said Shannon Bush, who has led the event’s committee for over 25 years. “It usually is an impressive list of competitors, a veritable who’s who of one design racing. Despite the luminaries, the event is generally low key, with an emphasis on great competition and fun. It’s pretty cool to see champions congregated in one spot, competing against each other and having time to discuss war stories and the like. I have yet to meet someone who has competed in one of the events who isn’t like a kid at Christmas.”
“We’re looking forward to hosting a high-level event that will be fun and memorable for everyone involved,” Marshall added. “This is a chance to celebrate champions and showcase everything our sailing community has to offer.”
For more information on the event, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2025-championship-of-champions/.