Leadership recognized in San Diego

US Sailing annually recognizes individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the sport of sailing, with two clubs from San Diego, CA stepping up to the podium when the ceremony is held February 3 as part of the US Sailing Leadership Forum in St. Pete Beach, FL.

US Sailing and the US Sailing One Design Committee selected Mission Bay Yacht Club as the recipient of the 2022 One Design Club award. This award recognized excellence by a club in the promotion and growth of participation on One Design sailing.

Positioned alongside Mission Bay, this lake-like venue is well suited for convenient dinghy sailing and racing, with the club’s calendar hosting a significant number of racing days per year along with hosting several high school teams.

Utilizing both the bay and ocean courses, the club had stepped up to host several big events, from High School Nationals, Lido 14 Nationals (twice recently), Sabot Nationals, and US Youth Championship.

Also getting recognized was San Diego Yacht Club which will receive the US Sailing 2022 One Design Regatta Award for conceiving and hosting the Women’s Winter Invitational as one of the first established yacht club challenges for women in the country.

“We are impressed with the fun and inclusive nature of the event bringing women from around the country together for a fun weekend of competitive sailing and camaraderie,” noted the US Sailing One Design committee.

Founded in 2018, the two day regatta is held alongside the club in La Playa Cove providing short-course races in J/22s without spinnakers, offering action-packed, spectator-friendly, dockside sailing.

“We invite sailors who are besieged by winter to come enjoy what is usually a beautiful weekend,” noted event founder Kris Zillman. “While seeking strong competitors with demonstrated results, we are also keen to encourage the next generation of racers to race, network, and enjoy the experience.”

The 2023 event is on February 4-5 with more than 80 competitors representing 24 yacht clubs coming to San Diego. Aside from the racing, the schedule includes wine tasting, morning yoga, and karaoke along with a regatta dinner.