2024 U.S. Para Sailing Championships
Published on July 28th, 2024
Hosted by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, the 2024 Independence Cup / U.S. Para Sailing Championships awarded titles in the Independence 20, 2.4mR, and Sonar classes, with racing on July 26-28 in Chicago, IL.
In the Independence 20 class, Chris Murphy and Luke Spink emerged early as strong competitors, ultimately taking the championship title after eight races. The pair won the Chandler Hovey Jr. Trophy, which was donated at the 1994 Independence Cup by A.G.A. Correa and Co. to US Sailing in honor of a true corinthian yachtsman Buzz Hovey.
Hovey competed on racecourses as a national junior champion, skippered J-Boats, and with his family, campaigned the 12 Metre Easterner through the 1964 America’s Cup trials. He moved beyond his disability to focus on his love for sailing, competition, and family. This trophy is awarded annually to the two-person team that is declared the winner of the doublehanded class of the U.S. Para Sailing Championship.
“It feels great to be back here,” said Murphy. “I’ve been to this regatta several times. It’s great to win. It is a great regatta, and it is great to have the support of US Sailing here for a great weekend.”
The double-handed class saw Gary Pierce and Charles McClure taking the silver medal and Tracy Schmitt with Ginny Duff taking the bronze.
The 2.4mR class saw ten races, with Matt Koblenzer taking the title against a competitive fleet by winning all but three races. Koblenzer was awarded the famed Judd Goldman Trophy.
Peter Goldman of the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation donated the Judd Goldman Trophy in honor of Justin “Judd” Goldman in 2008. This trophy is presented annually to the individual competitor that is declared the winner of the singlehanded class of the U.S. Para Sailing Championship. Zach Kordik and Sarah Gilbert rounded out the podium.
“It’s an honor,” said Koblenzer on being the national champion. “I have lots of fun with the 2.4 – I think it’s a great boat to race. US Sailing has always been there for me for racing since I was a teenager in the Sears Cup.”
The Sonar class featured a notable performance from Paul Callahan, Keith Burhans, and Jen Edney, clinching the top spot after ten races. The trio earned the prestigious Gene Hinkel Trophy whose namesake was known for his unselfish dedication to disabled sailing and disabled sailors.
Hinkel has invented many adaptive aids which have enabled numerous disabled sailors to get out on the water. He also served at the highest levels of the sport as Measurer at both the Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004) Paralympic Games, and is well known as an advocate for disabled sailors – The “grandfather of disabled sailing.”
“It’s certainly gratifying to get together with Keith, my old teammate, and my new teammate, Jen,” said Callahan. “The competitors were just wonderful to compete against – very corinthian. Peter Goldman and his whole team do an extraordinary job here. I’d like to thank him and US Sailing for going through all their effort to put this (event) on or else we wouldn’t be here.”
“It’s a real treat,” said Burhans on his experience sailing with Callahan. “It’s actually been twenty-seven years since we came here for the first time and met. Peter Goldman, his staff and the foundation do an incredible job out here. It’s almost too good!”
The Sonar class had five teams racing but only 4 were eligible for the U.S. Para Sailing Championship part of the combined event. Sammy Lugo sailing with Scott Ford and Mouad Yousef took second overall, with Donoray Bickman, Julio Fernandez, and Giovanno Profeta taking third in the Para Championship while finishing fourth in the Independence Cup.
Bridget Bodo and her team of Sebu Bodo and Craig Carlson finished third in the overall Sonar standings but were not eligible to compete for the U.S. Para Sailing Championship title.
The event was marked by a blend of challenging conditions, including varying wind speeds and directions, which tested the sailors’ skills and adaptability. The championship not only showcased impressive sailing but also emphasized the spirit of inclusivity and the growing prominence of Para sailing in the U.S.
Details: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-para-sailing-championships/