Ten Things We Learned from the 2024 US Sailing Adult Sailing Championship at the Detroit Yacht Club
Written by Kendall Kunz
Team Gadzooks! had an unforgettable time at the 2024 US Sailing Adult Sailing Championship, hosted by the incredible Detroit Yacht Club. First and foremost, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the Lake Michigan Sailing Race Federation (LMSRF) for selecting us to represent our Regional Sailing Association (RSA) in this prestigious event. Their support and confidence in our team made this amazing experience possible, and we couldn’t have been prouder to carry the flag for our region.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to US Sailing for organizing this fantastic championship, the Detroit Yacht Club for hosting the event, and to the generous sponsors—Gill, Sextant Wines, and Goslings Rum—whose contributions made the event even more special.
For those unfamiliar with this prestigious event, the championship brings together 11 top teams from across the United States, each nominated by one of the 11 US Sailing Regional Sailing Associations and the host club. Ultimate selections are made by US Sailing, ensuring that the competition features the best of the best from around the country. This year, 10 teams competed in ten races on ten different club Flying Scots.
The US Sailing Adult Sailing Championship has a rich history dating back to 1952. Originally established to promote competitive sailing among adult sailors, the event has become a cornerstone of the sailing community in the United States. Teams compete not just for bragging rights but for the honor of hoisting the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy, also known as the Mallory Cup. This esteemed trophy is awarded to the overall winner of the championship and is one of the most coveted awards in US sailing.
In addition to the Mallory Cup, the Staton J. Peele Sportsmanship Trophy is awarded to the skipper or crew, who is selected by competitors, judges and race committee according to the deed of Gift, as best exhibiting the traits of true sportsmanship. The Detroit Yacht Club, with its storied history and stunning facilities, provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s championship. The competition was fierce, the river was tricky, and the lessons were plentiful.
Here’s a look at what we picked up along the way:
1. Don’t Judge a Sailor by Their Boat
Just because the top sailors weren’t familiar with the Flying Scot didn’t mean they were pushovers. These folks came ready to play! No matter what boat they’re handed, champions adapt fast. Underestimate them at your peril.
2. The Detroit River Doesn’t Mess Around
Two knots of current? Yeah, we felt it—especially when trying to figure out the perfect lay line to the windward mark. Then came the leeward mark, where the current and wind decided to team up against us. If you don’t prep early, you’ll end up scrambling to drop the centerboard and douse the chute like we did!
3. Club Boats: Same Same, But Different
Rotating through club boats is supposed to level the playing field, but each boat has its quirks! One boat had a spinnaker turtle, another didn’t, and those jib sheet block placements… well, let’s just say it felt like the boats were playing their own version of hide-and-seek with our roll tacks. Adapting fast is the name of the game.
4. Redress: Your New Best Friend
When you’re racing in boats that aren’t yours, equipment failures happen. Jeff Whiteway knew this when his mainsheet broke, and filing for redress helped him stay in the game—and eventually win the whole regatta! It’s a good reminder: know your rights and don’t be afraid to use them.
5. To Protest or Not to Protest, That Is the Question
Before filing a protest, ask yourself: will winning this actually help me? Sometimes it’s better to let it slide or withdraw if it won’t boost your standings. Being right is great, but sometimes not rocking the boat is even better.
6. Watch Out for Debris—No, Really
Nothing like some grass stuck on your centerboard or rudder to ruin your race. It’s like dragging an anchor behind you! Before the race starts—or at least during the 5-minute sequence—check for debris and make sure you’re sailing smooth.
7. The MarkSetBots Are Cool, But Watch Your Back
MarkSetBots are a nifty bit of tech, but don’t get too cozy with them. If a bot gets hit and then adjusts its position right into your boat, guess what? It’s your fault, not the bot’s. Yep, you’ll be taking that penalty.
8. Stamina is Key
Six races in a day? No problem… if you’ve been training for a marathon. Sailing demands stamina—physically and mentally. Those long days on the water can wear you down if you’re not ready, so make sure you’re fueled up and focused from start to finish.
9. Sailing’s a Team Sport—Don’t Let One Mistake Sink You
One bad tack? A little too much sheet? Don’t let it get you down. A race isn’t over until it’s over. Like a wise competitor told us, “Don’t let sailing ruin your regatta!” Pick yourself up, shake it off, and work together as a team to turn it around.
10. The Detroit Yacht Club is a Stunner
Last but not least, the Detroit Yacht Club? Wow! From the gorgeous grounds to the historic clubhouse to the amazing people who run the place, it’s a first-class operation all the way. The staff, volunteers, and leadership made this regatta a truly special experience. We felt like royalty!
The Top Finishers:
- First Place: Jeff Whiteway and Bradley Whiteway, representing the Mid-Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (MAYRA) – winner of the Mallory Cup
- Second Place: Dave Rink, Sydney Rink, and Joel Blade, representing the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA)
- Third Place: Fred J Meno IV and Mike Schwinn, from the Texas Sailing Association (TSA)
- Fourth Place: Kevin Kunz and Kendall Kunz, representing the Lake Michigan Sailing Race Federation (LMSRF)
- Fifth Place: Paul Lee, Adrianna Lee, and Emily Simon, representing the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) – also winner of the Staton J. Peele Sportsmanship Trophy
Find Out More:
- Team Gadzooks!
- Website: www.sailingwithmybrother.com
- YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@sailingwithmybrother
- 2024 US Adult Sailing Championship
- Event Information: US Sailing – 2024 U.S. Adult Sailing Championship
- Final Results: Yacht Scoring – Event Results
The 2024 US Sailing Adult Sailing Championship was an incredible adventure, and though an invitation to this top-tier event isn’t guaranteed, we sure hope we’ll be back to compete again someday. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to the LMSRF, US Sailing, the Detroit Yacht Club, and our generous sponsors—Gill, Sextant Wines, and Goslings Rum—for making this unforgettable experience possible. Until then, we’ll be taking these lessons to heart—and hopefully to the front of the fleet!
Full results below 👇
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Sailing With My Brother 
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