Annapolis, Md. (September 24, 2015) – Ten teams will be racing on Chesapeake Bay this weekend in Navy 44 sloops for the 2015 U.S. Offshore Sailing Championship, hosted by the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron in Annapolis, Md. This deep and talented fleet is seasoned and ready for a unique offshore racing challenge. This three day US Sailing National Championship gets underway Friday, September 25 and concludes Sunday, September 27.
The racing format focuses on navigational and other offshore racing skills as well as boat handling. The championship 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.
Two-time champion skipper (2011, 2009) Bruce Kuryla and a team comprised of U.S. Naval Academy sailors are among the squads racing for the Lloyd Phoenix Trophy. 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.
A minimum of five of each competitors’ team must have raced together in at least five regattas in AMERICAP/ORR, IMS, IRC, MORC, PHRF, Offshore One-Design, Offshore Level Class Racing or Portsmouth Numbers rating systems in the past 18 months. Each team’s skipper must have been the regular helmsman for the five qualifying regattas.
Buoy races will be held between Tolly Point and Thomas Point, and east of Greenbury Point. In the event that weather conditions preclude running one or both of the distance races, buoy races may be substituted. Up to four buoy races may be run on a day and no more than nine buoy races will be run in the regatta.
Racing Schedule
- Thursday, September 24, 2:00 pm – Mandatory practice sail with the safety officer.
- Friday, September 25, 10:00 am – Warning signal – Up to two buoy races, followed by a medium distance race.
- Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am – Warning signal – One buoy race may be held, followed by a longer distance race.
- Sunday, September 27, 10:00 am – Warning signal – Two buoy races may be held (no warning signals made after 2:00 pm)
Prizes on the Line
- The Lloyd Phoenix Trophy will be engraved with the winning skipper’s name and area, and will be 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, video highlights, photos, Twitter updates, and more information from the 2015 U.S. Offshore Championship, please visit the event website. Participate in the conversation this week on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #OffshoreChamps15.
The 2015 U.S. Offshore Championship is sponsored by Gill North America and Switlik Survival Products.
US Sailing Media Contact: Jake Fish, jakefish@ussailing.org
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 Sperry. 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 Switlik Survival Products
Established in 1920, Switlik Parachute Co. has been owned and operated by the Switlik family for four generations and is known worldwide as a manufacturer of the highest quality sewn and heat sealed inflatable safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military/government markets. Our capabilities include a wide variety of anti-exposure and anti-g suits, inflatable life rafts, inflatable life vests, inflation systems and other specialty textile-based military equipment all manufactured at our 85,000 sq. ft. facility located in Trenton, NJ USA. www.switlik.com