New Classes Included in the 2025 Leiter and Ida Lewis Trophies
Registration is now open for the U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship for the Ida Lewis Trophy and the U.S. Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship for the Leiter Trophy. These girls-only events are open to female sailors ages 13 to 18 years old and feature expert coaching from US Sailing coaches, including a 3 day clinic and 2 days of racing.
New for 2025, both events will include two boat classes to allow more young women to participate in these perennially popular regattas. The Singlehanded Championship will be sailed in the ILCA 4 and ILCA 6, while the Doublehanded Championship will be sailed in the 29er and Club 420.
“We’re excited to welcome back the Club 420 to Ida Lewis and the ILCA 4 to the Leiter, expanding opportunities for female sailors” said Alana O’Reilly Marks, US Junior Women’s Championship Committee Chair. “These fleet additions will provide more pathways for skill development, competition, and growth within the sport.”
Founded in 1980 by Tom Clagett, the Leiter Trophy became the US Sailing Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship in 1986. The Ida Lewis Trophy was started in 1995 when it became apparent that a second championship in a doublehanded boat was needed to complement the singlehanded event. It became a US Sailing national championship in 1996. Over the years, the Leiter and Ida Lewis events have built an incredible legacy of competition, comradery and sportsmanship.
The U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship for the Ida Lewis Trophy will be hosted by Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia on June 18-22. The Ida Lewis will feature both the 29er and Club 420 classes, with an entry cap of 40 boats in total. Paris Henken, 2016 Olympian and 2021 Quantum Women’s College Sailor of the Year, will return as one of the US Sailing fleet coaches for the 2025 Ida Lewis.
“Old Dominion University and Big Blue Sailing Academy are excited to host the Ida Lewis Trophy and support the next generation of women in sailing” said Event Chair and ODU Sailing Assistant Coach Morgan Collins. “Many collegiate sailors begin their journey at the US Sailing Junior Women’s events, and we are proud to continue this tradition, welcoming talented sailors from across the country to Norfolk this summer. Participants will have access to our exceptional on-water facilities, expert coaches, and the opportunity to connect with other female sailors in a supportive environment.”
The U.S. Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship for the Leiter Trophy will be hosted by Macatawa Bay Yacht Club in Macatawa, Michigan on July 7-11. The Leiter will include the ILCA 4 and the ILCA 6 classes. Alana O’Reilly Marks, US Junior Women’s Committee Chair and 2006 Quantum Women’s College Sailor of the Year, will return as one of the US Sailing fleet coaches for the 2025 Leiter.
“I am thrilled that Macatawa Bay Yacht Club will host the 2025 Nancy Leiter Trophy” said MBYC Commodore Leesa Schram. “MBYC has a strong reputation for hosting national events with excellence, and I couldn’t be prouder to continue that tradition. On a personal note, it is an honor to host this event as only the fourth female Commodore in MBYC’s 126-year history. Here’s to celebrating women’s sailing and the bright future ahead! Cheers to all the competitors – I can’t wait to see you on the water!”