Stepping outside of the comfort zones

One design class U.S. National and North American Champions will race for the Jack Brown Trophy at the 49th annual Championship of Champions, hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club in Dallas, Texas. Racing takes place on October 21-22.

The Championship of Champions is the most unique regatta in US Sailing’s roster of championships. Champion sailors from a wide range of one design classes fleet race against each other in a selected boat, with this year’s championship to be contested in the radio controlled DragonFlite 95.

To be eligible to sail, entrants must be a 2022-2023 one-design class U.S. National Champion, North American Champion, or World Champion helmsperson, or crew, during the qualifying period of August 8, 2022 through September 4, 2023. Eleven people were selected to compete.

“The Championship of Champions has always prided itself in providing top-shelf competition and fun ashore. This year, we are stepping outside of our comfort zones and holding the event in Radio Controlled DragonFlite95 instead of traditional sailboats,” said Committee Chair Shannon Bush.

“We are excited to assemble an unprecedented mix of keelboat, dinghy, disabled, and RC sailors for the 2023 event. This year’s event will be no different than years past in the level of close racing and fun!”

Every year, US Sailing invites an accomplished guest competitor to the Championship of Champions, and this year’s guest competitor is Ched Proctor, six-time Lightning North American Champion, Shields National Champion, Sonar World Champion, and more.

Inaugurated in 1976, the championship is named in honor of Jack Brown who was noted for his service as a judge, regatta organizer and member of US Sailing Committees. A selection committee invites up to nineteen competitors from applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Details: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2023-championship-of-champions/