BRISTOL, R.I. (September 18, 2025) – The US Sailing Board of Directors 2025 election will open for voting by the US Sailing membership on September 23, 2025.
US Sailing’s Nomination and Election Process
The process to select nominees begins months in advance. There is a rigorous nomination procedure, where the US Sailing Nominating Committee identifies and vets potential candidates using recommendations from all available sources, including suggestions from members. The Nominating Committee reviews each suggestion and reaches out to solicit applications from the best fit/most qualified if they have not already formally applied. The open board seat(s) varies by election cycle.
The committee strives to build a Board of Directors that represents the broad sailing community it serves. The committee then reviews and researches each candidate to assess their qualifications, experience, and commitment to advancing the organization’s mission. Interviews and discussions help the committee further narrow the field to the final nominees submitted. After announcing the nominee, US Sailing members are encouraged to show their support by voting during the election period.
Voting must be completed not more than 50 business days before and not less than ten business days prior to the US Sailing Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 12, 2025. This ensures that all votes are counted in accordance with Bylaw 305.
From September 23, 2025 through November 2, 2025, US Sailing’s general membership will have the opportunity to vote and elect one board member on the slate put forward by the Nominating Committee. Election results will be announced at the US Sailing Annual Meeting in Bristol, Rhode Island on November 12, 2025.
This year, one proven leader has been put forward by US Sailing’s Nominating Committee for election by the general membership. The nominee currently sits as a Board Director.
Molly O’Bryan Vandemoer, Redwood City, California
Appointed to the US Sailing Board of Directors in December 2024, Molly is a 2012 Olympian in Women’s Match Racing, finishing 5th at the London Games. She was the 2011 World Champion and 2012 runner-up in Women’s Match Racing, as well as the 2010 Women’s Snipe World Champion. A three-time ICSA All-American Skipper and 2001 ICSA Women’s Dinghy National Champion while at the University of Hawaiʻi, Molly has a career of competitive excellence at the highest levels. Off the racecourse, she is the Executive Director of the Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, where she has been instrumental in developing youth sailors and expanding community sailing access. She also serves on US Sailing’s Sailor Athlete Council, ensuring athletes’ voices are represented in governance. Molly brings to the Board a blend of elite competitive experience, athlete advocacy, and youth program leadership, all grounded in a passion for growing and strengthening the sport.
Separately, the Sailor Athlete Council will vote on one (1) Athlete Board Member for a seat on the Board. Please see the US Sailing Bylaws for reference.
How to Vote
US Sailing members are encouraged to vote either online or by mail:
Online: Visit the US Sailing website to cast your vote electronically.
By Mail: Request a paper ballot by emailing electionquestions@ussailing.org.
For more information, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/about/our-people/board-of-directors/board-election/
Stay Informed
To ensure members are fully informed, the Weekly Lift will feature the nominee and voting information starting with the election opening on September 23, 2025. Reminders will also be sent out throughout the election period via the Weekly Lift and US Sailing social media.
For more information about the nomination process, visit the Board Nomination FAQ page, https://www.ussailing.org/about/our-people/board-of-directors/board-nomination-frequently-asked-questions/