More than 400 sailing leaders, coaches, instructors, race officials, volunteers, and program administrators came together this year as part of the 2026 US Sailing Regional Symposium series, demonstrating the power of regional collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening sailing throughout the United States.
Held in partnership with outstanding regional organizations and host clubs, the symposiums were designed to bring high-quality education and discussion directly to sailing communities, creating opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build stronger local networks. By meeting people where they are, US Sailing continues to expand access to valuable professional development while strengthening relationships across every corner of the sport.
Throughout the five symposiums, attendees participated in a wide range of presentations, workshops, and discussions focused on many of the most important topics facing sailing organizations today. Sessions included updates from US Sailing leadership on the organization’s progress and strategic plan, equipment and safety best practices, insurance and risk management, programming for sailors with diverse learning needs, hiring, training and retaining staff, engaging and supporting volunteers, the growing role of technology in race management, innovative ideas to strengthen big boat racing, and strategies for building high-performing teams.
While the educational content was a major draw, many participants found the greatest value in networking and the relationships built throughout each event.
“The Regional Symposiums exceeded our expectations, not just because of the nearly 400 people who participated, but because of the incredible willingness of our sailing community to learn from one another,” said Andrew Clouston, Chief Operating Officer of US Sailing. “What stood out most to me wasn’t just the quality of the presentations—it was the conversations happening in the hallways, over lunch, and between sessions, where people openly shared ideas, challenges, and successes with the common goal of making sailing stronger in their own communities. Sailing has always been a community built on sharing knowledge, and these symposiums captured that spirit perfectly.”
Stephanie Webb, Regional Sailing Association Committee Secretary, Florida Sailing Association Leadership Team member, and Community Sailing Committee member, has long championed the value of regional education and collaboration.
“Attending regional sailing symposiums helps participants learn new skills, discuss common program and operations problems, and build local networks,” Webb said. “Regional Sailing Associations are the conduit between US Sailing and local affiliated organizations in the areas of education and training and championship events. As someone who has championed the Regional Symposiums for more than 15 years in our area, I am thrilled to see this level of engagement rise to support US Sailing’s members.”
The collaborative atmosphere was equally apparent to the organizations that welcomed attendees into their facilities.
“Lakewood Yacht Club was proud to bring together sailors and leaders from across our region,” said Marie Wise, Commodore of Lakewood Yacht Club, host of the Southwest Regional Symposium. “The genuine engagement with the speakers and openness of our conversations was truly great to see, and the conversations we sparked are continuing to build. We all met new people and connected with others who care deeply about the strength of our sport and share the same passion.”
US Sailing extends its sincere appreciation to the many volunteers, planning committees, presenters and moderators whose countless hours of preparation and leadership made these events possible. Their willingness to share their expertise and practical experience ensured attendees left with valuable knowledge they can immediately apply within their own sailing organizations.
US Sailing also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Brown & Brown, Polar, Zhik, and Zim Sailing, whose partnership helped make these symposiums possible.
For those who were unable to attend—or for participants who would like to revisit the sessions—presentation materials from many of the symposiums have been made available and serve as an excellent resource for sailing organizations across the country. The presentations can be accessed here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e35a7o3lXcSncHYvGLlkFpWaCJ9-NRtc?usp=sharing
The success of the 2026 Regional Symposiums reflects US Sailing’s commitment to strengthening regional engagement, empowering local sailing organizations, and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another. US Sailing now looks ahead to the 2027 National Sailing Programs Symposium, being held in Fort Myers, FL, January 20-23. For more information, see the website here: https://www.ussailing.org/events/national-sailing-programs-symposium-2027/