US Sailing to stream 2018 U.S. Team Racing Championship on Facebook Live

2017 U.S. Team Racing Championship in Oyster Bay, NY © Matthew Cohen

Fans can watch the action in real-time this week from Cleveland, Ohio at the 2018 U.S. Team Racing Championship for the historic George R. Hinman Trophy.

This US Sailing National Championship is hosted by The Foundry, Cleveland's Community Rowing and Sailing Center, featuring three days of racing from September 28-30. US Sailing's Facebook Live coverage will take place on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30. Follow US Sailing on Facebook for live streaming alerts.

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

This year's entry list features active college sailors, coaches and alumni from major programs including, Old Dominion, College of Charleston, Stanford, Roger Williams, Yale, Brown, Virginia, Dartmouth, Hobart and William Smith, and others. Jet Lag, composed of Stanford alumni, will return all six of their sailors from last year's team that won the title in Oyster Bay, N.Y.

This premier team racing event in the United States is an invitational event. Interested teams applied by resume and international teams are invited to compete. The Championship is raced in three-boat/six-person teams (three skippers and three crews). Teams will be racing the 420E from Zim Sailing. The 420E features enclosed deck technology ideal for high school and college sailing.

Racing Format and Course Area (subject to change):

• Qualifying Round Robin Series
  
• Gold/Silver Round Robin Seeding Series
  
• Knock-out Series – Top 4 Teams: Semifinals, Finals, Petit Finals

Team racing is one of the most popular disciplines in sailing. Over 100 races can be sailed in just a few days. Races, or flights, are shorter than traditional race courses and are raced on a "Digital N" course. Three flights can race simultaneously with teams swapping out after each race with each team wearing a unique identifying pinny or bib.

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.

The 2018 U.S. Team Racing Championship is sponsored by Gill North America and Hobie Polarized.