The 2025 U.S. Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship for the Leiter Trophy was hosted by Macatawa Bay Yacht Club in Macatawa, MI on July 7-11. This special event featured a 3-day clinic with US Sailing coaches followed by 2 days of racing, giving the 28 young female sailors an exceptional learning experience in the ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 classes.
The U.S. Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship for the Leiter Trophy is US Sailing’s National Championships for young women 13 to 18 years of age sailing one-person singlehanded boats. No private coaching is allowed, instead US Sailing Coaches are provided to lead world-class training and coach all competitors to enhance the experience, sailing skills, competitiveness, and sportsmanship of the group. This unique, all girls event provides junior sailors with a chance to build their skills in an all-female environment and foster friendships for a lifetime. This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Clagett Family.
“Thank you to Macatawa Bay Yacht Club for a great week of clinics and racing” said US Sailing Junior Women’s Championships Committee Chair Alana Marks. “We saw a variety of conditions that tested the sailors and kept them on their toes. We are looking forward to seeing these sailors again at the Leiter Clinic at Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans and at this event next year!”
Sailors took advantage of the opportunity to learn from US Sailing coaches Mitch Brindley, Morgan Collins, Alana Marks, Eden Nykamp, John Pearce and Beka Schiff throughout the event, and were challenged by a variety of sailing conditions. The racing area on Lake Michigan featured strong currents, adding a tricky variable to the racing. Wind conditions were stronger on the clinic days earlier in the week but were lighter for the regatta on Thursday and Friday, ranging from 4 to 10 knots.
“Macatawa Bay Yacht Club was honored to host the US Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship and we would love to have these sailors back again in the future!” said MBYC Event Chair Pat Gort. “If you can race on Lake Michigan you can race anywhere.”
The awards ceremony celebrated the hard work and achievements of all participants. The following sailors were crowned champions in their respective classes:
ILCA 6
- 1st place: Maia Lim Laurie, Alamitos Bay Yacht Club
- 2nd place: Simone Reck, Olympia Community Sailing
- 3rd place: Morgan Temple, Coconut Grove Sailing Club
ILCA 4
- 1st place: Noelani Li, Seattle Yacht Club
- 2nd place: Vesper Gronborg, San Diego Yacht Club
- 3rd place: Lily Poindexter, Lakewood Yacht Club / GCYSA
Also awarded at the ceremony were the following awards:
- Most Improved Award: Olive McGough, Macatawa Bay Yacht Club
- Thomas Clagett Sportsmanship Prize: Reese Kottke, Lake Minnetonka Sailing School / Minnetonka Yacht Club
The championship is part of US Sailing’s commitment to fostering youth development for women in the sport, providing a platform for young female sailors to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. It also serves as a steppingstone for many aspiring sailors aiming to compete at higher levels, including national and international competitions.
“The racing was tough at times because the wind was really light and the current got strong, but overall it was a great experience meeting new people and learning from the amazing coaches!” said ILCA 6 winner Maia Lim Laurie.
The event not only provided a platform for competitive racing but also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among the young sailors. It was an excellent opportunity for these athletes to gain valuable experience and build connections within the sailing community.
“I had so much fun at this event meeting so many new people and learning from some amazing coaches” said ILCA 4 winner Noelani Li. “The venue was also super fun because everyday we were met with new and challenging conditions that enabled us to practice a range of skills. I’m so grateful that I was a part of this event and I can’t wait to come back next year!”
Thank you to Macatawa Bay Yacht Club for hosting this year’s Leiter Trophy, and a special thank you to the Clagett Family for their generous support of the US Junior Women’s Championships!
Full results can be found here: https://theclubspot.com/regatta/Fr0lxTc3vm/results