2024 has been an exhilarating chapter for US Sailing, marked by extraordinary achievements, unforgettable championships, and milestones that shaped the future of the sport. From thrilling national titles to inspiring community initiatives, groundbreaking developments, and standout performances at the Paris Olympics, these stories have captured the spirit of American sailing. Join us as we revisit the top news stories from 2024, celebrating the sailors, events, and moments that made waves and left an indelible mark on the sailing community.
The Paris 2024 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team featured a dynamic group of 13 athletes, including seasoned veterans and first-time Olympians, who competed across nine disciplines.
2. Barrows and Henken Win Bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, First USA Medal in Sailing since Rio 2016
Ian Barrows and Hans Henken secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Skiff (49er) event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the first sailing medal for Team USA since Rio 2016 and a triumphant debut Olympic appearance for the duo.
3. US Sailing Announces New President of Board of Directors for 2024
US Sailing announced the results of its 2024 Board of Directors elections, with Henry Brauer elected as President, Laura Grondin as Vice President, Matt Gallagher as Secretary, and Mike Van Dyke and Bob Kottler joining as Members-at-Large. The newly elected board members bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization as they guide US Sailing into the future.
4. Event Preview: 2024 U.S. Team Racing Championship for the George R. Hinman Trophy
The 2024 U.S. Team Racing Championship for the George R. Hinman Trophy was held from August 16-18 at the Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, Maryland, featuring intense 3v3 team racing in Collegiate FJs. The event, which was livestreamed on August 17-18, showcased thrilling competition with top teams like Doomsday, Savin Hill Yacht Club, and defending champions Los Huevos vying for the prestigious Hinman Trophy.
5. US Sailing Names Marcus Lynch as High Performance Director
US Sailing announced Marcus Lynch as its new High Performance Director, tasked with leading the US Sailing Team and overseeing high-performance programs such as the US Olympic Sailing Team, Pan American Sailing Team, and the Olympic Development Sailing Program.
6. The Science Behind How Sailing Improves Your Mental and Physical Health
Sailing provides profound mental and physical health benefits, as research supports Blue Mind Theory, showing that being on or near water reduces stress, boosts creativity, and enhances cognitive functions while promoting relaxation and mindfulness through both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Three Bronze Medals at 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy
At the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy, the U.S. Youth Sailing Team earned three bronze medals, with Molly Bonham & Annie Sitzmann in Female Skiff/29er, Isabella Mendoza Cabezas in Female One Person Dinghy/ILCA 6, and Makani Andrews in Male Windsurfer/iQFOiL Youth, while also securing a 5th place finish in the Nations Trophy.
8. College Sailing and Olympic Development: A Refreshing New Era of Collaboration
US Sailing’s Olympic Development Director Rosie Chapman and ICSA President Greg Wilkinson discussed the collaboration between college sailing and the Olympic Development Program (ODP) to better support athletes pursuing both academic and Olympic goals. They emphasized the importance of seamless integration between the two programs, with Chapman working to align schedules and resources, and Wilkinson highlighting the unique benefits of collegiate sailing for Olympic hopefuls.
9. Olympic Sailor Awarded Gold Medal More than 70 Years After Winning in Helsinki
Michael Beaver Schoettle finally received his long-awaited gold medal from the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, decades after being part of the victorious US 5.5m Sailing Team, during a special ceremony at the LA84 Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration on July 14, 2024. Schoettle had been an alternate on the team and was originally denied a medal due to rule interpretations, but after a successful petition by his son and support from US Sailing, World Sailing, and the IOC, his medal was officially awarded in 2023.
The Minneapolis Sailing Center (MSC) kicked off US Sailing’s new Community Sailing Center spotlight series, highlighting its dedication to inclusivity and sustainability through programs that engage diverse and underrepresented communities in sailing. MSC’s outreach and partnerships have helped transform sailing into a sport accessible to all, including youth programs for blind sailors and Free Sailing Sundays, making waves toward a more inclusive and connected community.