Five days of opportunity and growth

The 2025 U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship for the Ida Lewis Trophy was hosted on June 18-22 by Old Dominion University and Big Blue Sailing Academy in Norfolk, VA. This event featured a 3-day clinic with US Sailing coaches followed by 2 days of racing, giving the 56 young female sailors a learning experience in the Club 420 and 29er classes.

With no private coaching allowed, the clinic was a highlight with great sailing conditions and competitive training environment. Winds ranging from 5 to 20 knots and US Sailing coaches Ali Blumenthal, Beka Schiff, Caroline Young, Paris Henken, and US Sailing Olympic Development Program Director Rosie Chapman pushed the sailors on the water and in the classroom over three days of training.

“These past 5 days have been an amazing experience and opportunity for these talented young women from across the country,” said coach Paris Henken. “We saw a handful of different conditions here at ODU which gave them a big range of skill sets to home in on. As a returning coach, I am happy to see the growth and optimism in the world of women’s sailing.”

Weather conditions were lighter for the regatta days of the event on June 21-22. The first day began with very light winds, but a moderate 5-10 knot seabreeze filled in at 3pm, with three races taking place in both fleets on a beautiful summer evening. The final day again brought light wind, with the race committee attempting several races which were called off when the wind died. Racing was abandoned for the day, with three races deciding the championship.

Club 420
1st place: Merritt Sellers / Marina Priskich, St Francis Yacht Club
2nd place: Sophia Alexopoulos / Charlotte Crowley, Riverside Yacht Club
3rd place: Megan Soos / Sally Davis, 73 Sailing / BLYC / CYCCM

29er
1st place: Chloe Kong / Maggie Tripp, Skiff+
2nd place: Sophie Niemann / Matilda Niemann, Lake Geneva Yacht Club / Skiff+
3rd place: Julia Stewart / Sky Hillel, San Diego Yacht Club / Skiff+

Also awarded:
• Most Improved Award: Esther Ireland and Simone Reck
• Thomas Clagett Sportsmanship Prize: Halsey Carter and Catherine Kammeier

“Sailing at an all-girls event is always 10 times more supportive,” said Club 420 class winning skipper Merritt Sellers. “Unfortunately we only had three races, so we focused on keeping our scores low and avoiding mistakes. Twenty years from now, we will still remember this experience, and the connections we made with all the other girls at this event.”

The championship is part of US Sailing’s commitment to fostering youth development for women in the sport, providing a platform for young female sailors to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. It also serves as a steppingstone for many aspiring sailors aiming to compete at higher levels, including national and international competitions.

Event information – Race details – Results

Source: US Sailing