Marion, MA (June 20, 2025) Over a dozen foiling sailors will take to the starting line today through Sunday for the 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Championship, hosted by Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass. Held in the WASZP – a foiling one-design dinghy – this year’s event is bringing a new flavor and energy to one of US Sailing’s oldest trophies. The choice to try something new (a foiling boat has never before been used for the U.S. Singlehanded Champs) came from the U.S. Singlehanded Championship Committee and dedicated volunteers, who are keen on bringing a new generation into this historic championship, which was first held in 1962. It also serves to introduce other single-handed sailors to this growing class and discipline.
Tabor’s location on the edge of Buzzards Bay – where a consistent sea breeze typically brings 15-20 knots from the ocean every summer afternoon – makes it a perfect location for a championship of this caliber, especially in the WASZP, which need at least 5 to 8 knots of wind to get up on the foils. Tabor Academy Waterfront Director, Andy Cornah, was inspired to host in part to bring Buzzard’s Bay back to the forefront as a small-boat racing venue.
“We recognize Buzzards Bay is a fantastic sailing location that has fallen off the map a little in recent times,” said Cornah. “We hope that competitors will enjoy sailing at a venue that provides such great conditions and hopefully a good experience for all!”
Competitors and the race committee alike, as well as all US Sailing members, are able to enjoy free access to SailFlow PRO and PLUS, the official US Sailing weather routing partner. Conditions this weekend are expected to bring the heat with Friday providing the top foiling potential as the sunshine provides prime sea breeze. Saturday and Sunday are set to follow with less stable conditions. Early morning breeze shifts and humidity may require strategy in gust and tactical management.
There are a couple names to watch out for this weekend going for a run on the O’Day trophy. Hawai’i native Gavin Ball is top of that list – the 2025 WASZP National Champion, he is ranked 6th in the world in the WASZP class rankings, the highest of any competitor at this event.
Also among the top contenders is Canadian sailor Andrew Chisholm, currently ranked 23rd in the WASZP international standings and coming off a strong 7th-place finish at this year’s North American events. Fellow Canadian Pheobe Chalmers, the 2024 North American Female Champion, also joins the fleet aiming for a top finish.
Both are part of a strong Canadian presence driven by WeCANFoil’s growing development efforts, adding even more depth to this international showdown. Expect thrilling foiling action as competitors fly over Buzzards Bay’s wake. With a mix of seasoned and ambitious competitors, each race will demand sharp tactics, finesse on the foils, and total focus in the ever-shifting Buzzards Bay breeze.
Whether you’re tracking a loved one, cheering on a friend, or just a curious onlooker, you can follow the live scores and results all weekend long at the official ClubSpot regatta page and on US Sailing’s Instagram stories. This year’s event isn’t just about who wins the O’Day Trophy, it’s about pushing boundaries, building community, and showing what’s possible when tradition meets innovation.