The 2026 Leiter Trophy delivered thrilling racing and invaluable coaching at the US Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship, hosted by Corpus Christi Yacht Club in Corpus Christi, Texas from July 27-30. Sixteen young female sailors competed in the ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 classes amid the strong winds and choppy waters that have become a hallmark of sailing in Corpus Christi Bay.
Full results here.
This unique championship featured a two-day clinic led by US Sailing coaches followed by two days of competitive racing, giving participants an exceptional learning experience on the water. The US Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship for the Leiter Trophy is US Sailing’s national championship for young women aged 13 to 18 sailing one-person singlehanded boats. Private coaching is not permitted at the event. Instead, US Sailing coaches provide world-class training to all competitors, enhancing their sailing skills, competitiveness, and sportsmanship across the board.
The all-female format is central to the event’s mission, offering junior sailors a chance to develop their abilities in a supportive environment while forging friendships that can last a lifetime. The championship is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Clagett Family.
US Sailing Junior Women’s Championships Committee Chair Alana Marks praised the host venue and the competitors. “Thank you to Corpus Christi Yacht Club for a great week of sailing,” Marks said. “We saw classic Corpus conditions, 15-20 knots of wind with steep waves that make ILCA racing really fun and challenging. The sailors did a great job working hard and rising to the occasion.”
The awards ceremony celebrated the hard work and achievements of all participants, with champions crowned in their respective classes along with additional special awards recognizing outstanding effort and sportsmanship throughout the regatta.
The championship is part of US Sailing’s broader commitment to fostering youth development for women in the sport. It provides a platform for young female sailors to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience, serving as a steppingstone for many aspiring competitors aiming for higher levels of national and international competition.
Full results from the 2026 Leiter Trophy are available through the Corpus Christi Yacht Club’s regatta page on ClubSpot.
Looking ahead, the 2027 US Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship will be hosted by the Columbia Gorge Racing Association in Cascade Locks, Oregon from July 28-31. A special thank you goes to Corpus Christi Yacht Club for hosting this year’s event and to the Clagett Family for their continued generous support of the US Junior Women’s Championships.
