The 2025 U.S. Adult Sailing Championship concluded Sunday at the scenic Jordanelle Reservoir, where the Twin Cities Regional Sailing Association claimed the prestigious Clifford D. Mallory Trophy after 10 round-robin format races.
Skipper Kurt Taken-Holtze, with crew Jeff Hames and Jon Lee, secured the championship with a total of 23 points after three days of racing in dynamic mountain conditions.
“It was really fun to jump into a new boat every race in challenging conditions, but in a beautiful setting,” said Taken-Holtze. His crew Hames and Lee chimed in adding “There was some stress and anxiety going into the last day. As a team, we’ve worked hard on consistency throughout the years. This weekend we focused on keeping our head in the game, staying calm, and going after as many chances as we could.”
In a tight contest, Patrick Ryan (Gulf Yachting Association) with crew Norman Vallette and Mason Ryan finished second overall with 26 points. Brad Julian (Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association) with crew Matthew Schubert and Todd Hiller rounded out the podium in third with 30 points.
The Stanton Peele Sportsmanship Trophy was awarded to Susan McIntyre for her uplifting spirit and creative encouragement, sharing inspiring notes in spinnaker bags that looked to brighten the fleet’s experience rotating boats after every race throughout the weekend.
A Championship in the Mountains
The Jordanelle Reservoir, located just above the town of Heber City at an elevation of nearly 6,200 feet, offered a dramatic backdrop for this year’s championship. With the Wasatch Mountains on the horizon, sailors navigated shifting winds and rapid weather changes that reflect the mountain lake’s unique conditions.
This year’s championship marked the first time in the 73-year history of the event that it was held in a mountain state, showcasing that high performance sailing can thrive far from the coast.
“Park City Sailing Association is a young program compared to most of the National Championship venues in the country. We are 17 seasons into our program and we wanted to showcase our venue and our city on the national stage,” said Geoff Hurwitch, Event Co-Chair. “The volunteers and the staff coming together to put on a great show for people from all over makes me really proud as they all put their best foot forward.”
Event Co-Chair Annabel Jamail emphasized the setting’s value: “This is a place where sailors from East and West of the Mississippi can meet. We have great wind, we have challenging conditions, and we were happy to showcase that this weekend with all kinds of conditions. It was consistent with what we see in the mountains all the time; if you don’t like the conditions, wait a minute, and they’ll likely change. I am excited for the future of sailing in Utah. Though it’s known for its skiing and National Parks, this is also a place where you can come sailing and we have a great opportunity to increase both recreational and competitive sailing.”
Following their first national championship, the team at Park City Sailing Association hopes competitors leave with a lasting appreciation for their home state, whether through its sailing, skiing, or the welcoming sense of community created on site.
Scott VerMerris, Executive Director of Park City Sailing Association, so warmly expressed: “We hope you leave here with great memories and new friends. Stay as long as you want and definitely come back soon.” His words capture the spirit of the weekend; welcoming sailors from across the country to not only experience competitive racing, but also to enjoy the camaraderie, hospitality, and unique beauty that make Park City a destination worth returning to.
As with every championship of this caliber, success was built on strong leadership. Mark Townsend, Principal Race Officer, ensured dynamic and efficient racing on the water. Peter Gerard, Chief Judge, guided the work of the Protest Committee with integrity and precision. Sandra Svoboda, Chair of U.S. Sailing’s Adult Championship Committee provided the vision and steady leadership that helped bring this historic event to life.
US Sailing extends its deepest gratitude to the entire team at Park City Sailing Association, the Race Committee, the many volunteers and sailors, and the local sponsors whose support made this championship possible: Deer Valley East Village, Zeal Optics, Urban Sailor Coffee and the Utah Department of Natural Resources – State Parks for the spectacular venue. Many thanks to our National Partner, Goslings Rum, for keeping the sailors and volunteers alike hydrated with their signature Dark N’ Stormys® after racing.
For full results and event details, visit the event website.