ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 21, 2017) – Ten teams from around the country will be fleet racing on Chesapeake Bay in Navy 44 sloops this Friday through Sunday for the 2017 U.S. Offshore Sailing Championship, hosted by the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron. This US Sailing National Championship routinely offers a unique offshore racing challenge for participants at one of sailing’s most historic and prominent venues.
The Championship focuses on the core fundamentals of offshore racing. Teams will be challenged in the areas of navigation, boat handling, teamwork, and basic fleet racing skills. The format features one medium and one long distance race (weather permitting) with a variety of possible courses, as well as at least three buoy races. The distance races will be approximately 15 to 30 nautical miles.
The competing teams are representing each of the US Sailing Areas and are seeded through Area eliminations or by sailing resume, plus one U.S. Naval Academy team. Each team consists of a crew of eight, including one skipper, six crew members, and one U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman from the varsity offshore racing team. Teams must have competed in at least five IRC, ORC, ORR, PHRF, Offshore One Design, Offshore Level Class Racing or Portsmouth Numbers rating systems in its respective Area during in the past 18 months. Find out who is competing this week: Competitors List
Both distance and buoy races will be sailed in this championship. Two distance races are planned, but in the event that weather conditions allow, distance races may be substituted for one or more of the buoy races. Up to two distance races may be run on a day and no more than five distance races will be run in the regatta. Buoy races will be held between Tolly Point and Thomas Point, and east of Greenbury Point.
Racing Schedule (subject to change)
- Thursday, September 21 – Mandatory practice sail with the safety officer.
- Friday, September 22 – Up to two buoy races, followed by a medium distance race.
- Saturday, September 23 – One buoy race may be held, followed by a longer distance race.
- Sunday, September 24 – Two buoy races may be held (no warning signals made after 2:00 pm).
Prizes on the Line
- The Lloyd Phoenix Trophy will be presented to the winning team and is showcased at the United States Naval Academy Sailing Hall of Fame.
- US Sailing medals will be awarded to the top three teams.
- First place prizes will be awarded for each race.
Media & Coverage
- For results, standings, photos, Twitter updates, and more information from the 2017 U.S. Offshore Championship, please visit the event website. Participate in the conversation this week on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #OffshoreChamps17.
The 2017 U.S. Offshore Championship is sponsored by Gill North America and Old Pulteney.
US Sailing Media Contact: Jake Fish, jakefish@ussailing.org
U.S. Naval Academy Contact (on-site): Jahn Tihansky, Tihansky@usna.edu
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.
About Gill North America
Gill NA, with headquarters near Atlanta, GA is the exclusive importer and distributor of Gill-brand foul weather gear in North America including Caribbean, US and Canada. Gill is a worldwide apparel and accessories brand serving the marine industry with over three decades of experience. Gill specializes in high tech, breathable waterproof clothing. The company develops and markets a variety of performance-oriented, award-winning apparel and accessories for virtually every type of boating activity with product lines that include foul weather gear; interactive layering systems; footwear; gloves; bags; junior gear; scholastic gear and team wear. Gill products are available through hundreds of independent dealers and select West Marine Stores. For further information, please contact: Gary Barker at 941 505 2111 or gary.barker@gillna.com.
About Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is strongly rooted in the whisky’s nautical heritage and is commonly referred to as ‘The Maritime Malt.’ Old Pulteney is the Official Scotch of US Sailing and recently released a limited-edition ‘Navigator’ expression, commemorating the brand’s sponsorship of the 2013-2014 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Crafted in Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland, the distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson in the heart of “Pulteneytown,” one of the largest fishing ports in Europe. Each Old Pulteney expression is carefully crafted and carries the windswept and rugged character of the North and the salty, fresh air of the North Sea. It is distributed by International Beverage, Inc. Visit Old Pulteney on Facebook or at www.oldpulteney.com for more information.