US singlehanded championship

20 sailors to compete in Lasers for the George O'Day Trophy

After nationwide elimination rounds throughout the last year, 20 competitors have qualified to compete in the US Singlehanded Championship for US Sailing’s George O’Day Trophy. Competitors will sail in Lasers provided by Vanguard Sailboats out of Bay Shore Yacht Club, NY, on 11-15 August. The event is sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A., as are all of US Saiing’s Adult National Championships.

More than 160 sailors have competed in elimination rounds at sailing organisations across the country. Competitors who have qualified for this year’s event include last year’s second-place finisher Anna Tunnicliffe and 2003 US Sailing Team-member Andy Mack. Competitors are selected through ladder events starting at the local club level, as well as up to six additional sailors who are selected by resume. The regatta is also open to men and women representing the Intercollegiate Sailing Association, the Interscholastic Sailing Association (high school sailing), the US Youth Championship, and the military.

On the second day of the event, August 12, competitors will attend a clinic on 'Imminent weather forecasting for the dinghy sailor' sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. The clinic will be hosted by Gary Skubik, past weather officer for the U.S. Power Squadron.

The George O’Day Trophy was presented to US Sailing in 1962 by friends of O’ Day. O’Day was well known to sailors through his company manufacturing small boats. He also won an Olympics gold medal in 1960 as helmsman in the 5.5 Metre class.

The U.S. Singlehanded Championship is part of US SAILING’s National Adult Championships series.