Youth Racing Camps set sail

The 2024 US Sailing Youth Racing Camps are poised to bring the nation’s top youth sailors together for intensive training and collaboration. For the first time, this annual event will take place on both coasts, with the East Coast Camp at Miami Yacht Club from November 23–26 and the West Coast Camp at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach, CA, from November 25–27.

With over 115 sailors expected in Miami and 45 in Long Beach, the camps promise to deliver an exceptional showcase of talent and teamwork. Each camp will feature an esteemed roster of coaches and guest experts, ensuring that sailors benefit from world-class instruction across all disciplines:

US Sailing Youth Racing Camp East, November 23-26, Miami Yacht Club, Miami, FL
ILCA 6: Stefano Peschiera
29er: Severin Gramm
i420: Lior Lavie
iQFOiL: Justin Ahearn
Nacra 15: Tom Burnham (Quantum Racing Coach) / Phil Muller
Guest Experts: Sarah Douglas, Chris Klevan, Charles Higgins

US Sailing Youth Racing Camp West, November 25-27, Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, Long Beach, CA
ILCA 6: Ford McCann
29er: Sterling Henken
i420: Caroline Young
Formula Kite: Quinn Wilson
Guest Experts: Sara Stone (Quantum Racing Coach), Charles Higgins

These experienced coaches will lead sailors in high-performance training sessions, while guest experts will provide valuable insights on advanced racing strategies, mental preparation, and personal development.

“We are thrilled to bring coaching talent and experience from the Olympic Classes, America’s Cup, and college sailing to our Youth Camp this year,” says Phil Muller, Youth Performance Manager at US Sailing. “We are especially excited that Quantum Racing Coaches Sara Stone and Tom Burnham will be joining us in Long Beach and Miami, respectively. Quantum Racing has supported this annual camp for nearly a decade.”

“We have sailors training in all six of the youth world’s disciplines. Bringing this entire group together is a great initiative, as the sailors begin their campaigns for 2025 Youth Worlds qualification.”

The Thanksgiving camps are designed to deliver more than just technical training and will incorporate educational and developmental opportunities.

Dinner Presentations for Families: Both camps will host evening sessions where sailors, parents, and coaches can learn about upcoming opportunities in 2025, including major regattas and training initiatives.

Fitness Testing: On the second morning, sailors will complete a fitness assessment to establish baselines for the upcoming season.

Hybrid Training Format: Combining regatta-style competition with collaborative practice, the camps allow sailors to test new strategies and refine their skills in real-time.

John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Racing Director, shared his enthusiasm for this year’s camps, “Hosting camps on both coasts this year is an exciting opportunity. It allows us to better connect with sailors from across the country while preparing them for the challenges of high-level competition. These camps kickoff the 2025 season and give us the opportunity to connect with the top youth sailors and coaches before the busy year ahead.”

With the success of U.S. sailors at the Youth World Championships this summer, earning three bronze medals, the camps aim to build on this momentum.

For more details, including the notice board and registration list, visit:

US Sailing Youth Racing Camp East – November 23-26 – Miami Yacht Club, Miami, FL
US Sailing Youth Racing Camp West – November 25-27 – Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, Long Beach, CA

As these camps prepare to get underway, the spirit of teamwork, learning, and excellence will set the stage for a season of growth and achievement in U.S. youth sailing.

Source: US Sailing