2021 U.S. Team Racing Championship heads to Bristol, Rhode Island

2018 US Team Race Championship in Cleveland, Ohio © US Sailing

This weekend, the 2021 U.S. Team Racing Championship for the historic George R. Hinman Trophy is coming to beautiful Bristol, Rhode Island. This US Sailing National Championship, hosted by Bristol Yacht Club, features three days of racing beginning Friday, September 24th through Sunday, September 26th. The 2021 U.S. Team Racing Championship is sponsored by Regatta Craft Mixers and Lon Gundie and local sponsor Tajima Direct.

First held in 1981, the U.S. Team Racing Championship remains one of the most anticipated annual sailing championships of the season. This year's Championship features an impressive list of accomplished teams and experienced team racers, many of whom have competed in or won this Championship in years past. From top-notch one-design sailors in fleet racing circles to current and former top-flight college sailors and coaches, this US Sailing National Championship attracts a wide range of sailors, both men, and women.

"The competition format is extremely compelling this year," says Nick Cromwell, Race Chair at Bristol Yacht Club. "The format will allow for teams to be seeded against like-competition, which will create even tighter and more exciting competition. It's going to be very fast-paced in order to accommodate as much racing as possible, and we're excited to put that together in a location that is going to be right off the dock."

2018 US Team Race Championship in Cleveland, Ohio - photo © US Sailing

Racing will commence Friday with a qualifying round in a Swiss League format and culminate in a knock-out series among the top teams. Racing will take place on Bristol Harbor, off of the docks of the Maritime Center in downtown Bristol.

"Bristol Yacht Club has been planning this event for almost two years," says Cromwell. "We're really excited to finally host this regatta, and the support from the many volunteers at Bristol Yacht Club and the harbormaster has been incredible."

Twenty-four teams will join the fleet this year, possibly creating some of the fiercest competition the regatta has seen in its 40-year history. "Team racing is a really important part of the sport," says Cromwell. "It's an area with a lot of growth and interest, especially for the younger and the 'right out of college' demographic. It's a tremendous growth opportunity for the sport, and we're proud to partner with US Sailing for this event."

To accommodate the format and have ten fleets on the water at once, the club has brought together 30 boats. Zim Sailing is supplying 18 Zim 420e (v. 2), Roger Williams University Sailing Team is providing six e420s, and six club 420s from Bristol Yacht Club's Sailing program, East Bay Sailing Foundation will be in rotation as well.

The regatta was initiated by Sailing World magazine, and after years of growth and popularity, the event was adopted by US Sailing and became known as the U.S. Team Racing Championship for the George R. Hinman Trophy. The trophy was donated in recognition of George R. Hinman's many years of service and contributions to sailing.

For more information visit the event website.