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ISCA Class Updates

• World Championship St. Croix, USVI Preview 

ISCA Builder Update - ZIM Sailing

US Sailing Announces the US Selection Process for the Pan American Games, US Trials Location Confirmed

Major Championships 2027 Confirmed

Apparel Storefront - Holiday Shopping 

Regatta News & Sailing Reports

• Women's North American Championship, Hobcaw YC, Mount Pleasant, SC
  • WNA - Amanda Callahan Claims the Title 
  • Windy Women's NAs Felt Like Family
  • Loring Sisters' Sibling Rivalry at WNAs
  • Youngest Sailor at Her First North Americans But Not Her Last! 
  • My Experience at the Women's NAs
• Louisville Sailing Club Pumpkin Regatta, Louisville, KY
• Bonaire Regatta Report
• Round Trip Bonaire 
• Florida Regional Championship #2 - Upper Keys Sailing Club, Key Largo, FL

Clinic Updates 

• USSCA Seminar - October 28th Mental Performance Coaching
• Boca Ciega 3-Day LEARN TO RACE ISCA Clinic/Regatta, Gulfport, FL

Burgee Exchange

Upcoming Events

• West Regional Championship - Arizona YC, Tempe, AZ, November 7-8
• Barrington Yacht Club, Barrington, RI, Frostbite Is Back! 
• Florida Regional #1, Gulfport, FL, February 26-28
• Midwinters Series - Pensacola YC, Pensacola, FL, March 17-24

Cheer on your fellow country sailors - follow all the action on Instagram @sunfishclass or Facebook

Zim was thrilled to attend the Annapolis Boat Show this month, displaying the ISCA proudly (along with the US-built ILCA and 2 boats from RS Sailing). Sam and John K. were joined on the stand by Scott Diamond from Central Coast Sailing, who has worked hard to spread ISCAs into the Midwest. We appreciated his help talking to customers all weekend! It’s been a few years since Zim has directly attended the show, previously attending alongside a local dealer; it was invigorating as always to spend a few days chatting with passionate sailors about their time in ISCAs and more. It’s humbling to hear just how many people began their sailing or racing careers with an ISCA, and we are honored to carry on the legacy and keep building great boats.

On display throughout the weekend was a brand-new ISCA with green stripes; depending on breeze, either race spars with no sail or a ‘Portland’ recreational sail were up for folks to check out. Interest in the ISCA continues to be strong, and we look forward to delivering a few new boats to folks that we met in Annapolis!

Only a few days until Worlds begin in St. Croix, and we can’t wait -- not only for the warm weather, but for the great racing and camaraderie that is a hallmark of this class. We’re thrilled to announce that 34x of the Worlds boats have been sold in St. Croix; however, this means that there are only 40x boats returning to Zim and available after the regatta. If you’re interested in purchasing an ex-charter St. Croix boat, please contact sam@zimsailing.com ASAP to secure your boat.

Save the dates and make plans to participate in 2027! Thank you to all the host clubs for stepping up and supporting the class as hosts!

CLICK HERE

Submitted by Kimmy Jackman

Amanda Callahan battled the remnants of Hurricane Isaias and the Wando River current to win the 2026 Women’s North American Championship for the second time at Hobcaw Yacht Club in Mount Pleasant, SC, on October 9th through 11th.

Friday morning, competitors arrived at the club, where old friends happily reunited for another memorable weekend alongside sailors joining this event for the first time. The fleet took to the water for a series of practice starts and two practice races. After sailing, Connor Blouin led an informative discussion on sailing in current, giving sailors some valuable tips to take into the weekend’s racing. The day wrapped up with happy hour at the club, offering a chance to catch up with old friends and welcome new ones before the racing began.

The competitors arrived back at the club on Saturday morning, eager to get out on the water. Unfortunately, the AP flag flew through the morning and into the afternoon while the race committee waited for a window between thunderstorms and passing cargo ships to allow the 45 sailors to launch safely Eventually, the last cargo ship of the day appeared at the entrance to the river -- and it was a massive pink ship!  This perfect coincidence signaled to the group that despite the slow start, this would be a great regatta. Soon after, the sailors were happy to finally get out on the water, and just enough daylight remained to complete two races in light and shifty breeze. Then it was time to head to shore for a delicious dinner at the clubhouse and a raffle of sponges and other items generously provided by Dinghy Shop.

Sunday morning started similarly, with nearby thunderstorms and pouring rain forcing another postponement. Luckily, the storm passed quickly and skies cleared, leaving a brisk breeze for the remaining seven races to take place. Gusts over 20 mph and strong current made each race a challenge. Ultimately, Amanda Callahan came out on top with 18 points, followed by Kelly-Ann Arrindell in second place with 24 points, J.J. (Jessica) Smith in third place with 47 points, Taylor Eastman in fourth with 53 points, and Ashton Loring in fifth place with 56 points. Lisa Brown Ehrhart was the top Grand Master; Gail Heausler the top Great Grand Master; Jeaneliz T García was the top Youth; and Laura Jeffers was the top Master.  

The 45 registered boats represented five countries: Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA. The youngest sailor was 12 and the oldest was 80. Three of the competitors call Hobcaw Yacht Club home: Mary Sims deHoll, Ames Murrell, and regatta organizer Evy Silcox.

Six young sailors were supported by the USSCA Foundation to attend. Ames Murrell and Mary Sims deHoll received Youth Scholarship Grants while Taylor Eastman, Molly Loring, Ashton Loring and Emma Leblond received the Young Adult Grants recipients. Thank you to the USSCA Foundation and our donors, especially Mary Kalich, for your generous support and endless encouragement of the next generation ISCA sailors. 

Five sailors earned a spot at the US Trial for the 2027 Pan Am games: Amanda Callahan, JJ (Jessica) Smith, Taylor Eastman, Ashton Loring, and Lisa Brown Earhart. Good luck at the Trials!

Hobcaw Yacht Club was a fantastic host, delivering a well-organized and professionally run regatta. A huge thank-you to PRO Bobby Matthews, organizers Evy Silcox and Becca Weil, and the many volunteers both on the water and ashore whose time and dedication made this event a great success. FULL RESULTS

This is one of many events Mark Jump Photography has volunteered to take photos at in the Southeast this year. Thank you, Mark, for capturing these amazing ladies and giving inspiration to so many to participate in 2027.  For many more amazing photos please CLICK HERE.  

Submitted by Ames Murrell, Youth Scholarship Award Winner

My first ISCA Women’s North Americas was an amazing experience. While the event was at my home yacht club, Hobcaw Yacht Club in Mount Pleasant, SC, it was quite different from other regattas: All the competitors were so welcoming, and it really felt like a big family. Everyone was cheering each other on and looking out for one another, while still competing their best at the October 9-11 championship.

I enjoyed meeting Jeaneliz Garcia, a fellow youth sailor from Puerto Rico. It was so cool to get to know her and hear what it was like sailing all over the Americas. I loved hanging out with her and the other youth sailors before and after racing.

I started sailing at eight years old in an Opti.  As I began to outgrow it, Evy Silcox was a big influence on why I chose ISCA as my next boat. She worked hard as regatta organizer to make this event happen at Hobcaw YC, and I am so happy we got to sail together.

We had a rainy start both days, but it cleared up for some good racing. On Sunday, we experienced some windy conditions with gusts up to 30 knots. It was the strongest wind I ever raced in an ISCA. I was determined to stay out for all the racing even if it included a few capsizes. After my fifth capsize right before the 7th race of the day, I was so tired, I had to get towed in. It was definitely a rocky day, but the seven races we got in were worth it. I have so much respect for all the women who sailed that day, even if they only made it for one race.

This regatta was such a great experience, and I’m glad I got to be there for it. I look forward to many more ISCA regattas.

Thank you to the USSCA Foundation for supporting Youth Scholarships so sailors like Ames can participate in these events. For more information on donating, please CLICK HERE. 

Jeaneliz Garcia (PUR), Ames Murrell HYC, Eleanor Ashcroft CYCSC, Mary Sims DeHoll HYC. 

Submitted by Mary Sims

I participated in the Women's North American ISCA Regatta in Mount Pleasant, SC. In this regatta, I got the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and even places like the Netherlands and Puerto Rico. I made so many  new friends that weekend that helped me throughout the regatta. They taught me a number of valuable skills on the water that overall helped me improve. Being in this regatta encouraged me to go to future ISCA regattas. 

By: Jeaneliz T. García

Sailing at the Women’s North American Championship in Mount Pleasant, SC was a great experience for me. It was different from sailing in Puerto Rico because I had to learn how to adjust to conditions that are unlike my home waters.

From the first day, the wind and currents in the Wando River made the races challenging. I had to stay focused and pay attention to the changes in the conditions. It was also my first time sailing in a river, so it was a new experience that taught me a lot.

One of my favorite parts was sailing with other experienced, female sailors. I also met new people and made friends with other young sailors. It was nice to be around people who enjoy sailing as much as I do and to learn from them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this experience. Even though the conditions were challenging, I learned a lot and met amazing people. I returned to Puerto Rico with more experience and more motivation to keep improving as a sailor.

Submitted by Michael Stratton

Everyone who attended the Louisville Sunfish Pumpkin Regatta on October 17-18 had a story to tell but none that equaled the stories we had about fighting the Ohio River.

In the week leading up to the Louisville, KY regatta, participants didn’t know whether the regatta was even going to happen due to predicted high water that would overflow LSC’s docks and prevent racing from taking place.

Midweek we finally got confirmation that it was a go. The one thing racers from other clubs didn’t know about the river until the first race on Saturday was the impact of the current. At one mile per hour, twice its normal speed, it was definitely a factor. Upwind against the current was only interesting. At the windward mark it was a rude awakening.

Enter wide, exit close took on new meaning. But, as we often do as racing sailors, we adapted. After leading the regatta on Saturday, Hueston Sailing’s Laura Peters found herself in a duel with Mark Kastel, the Wisconsin Wizard. A big lead due to a Kastel miscue on Saturday vanished on Sunday. It ended in a tie.

The tiebreaker went the way of the Wizard but not without a fight. Three points separated Hueston Sailing’s Bill Molleran in fourth place from the Kastel's top spot with Peters and Mike Stratton sandwiched between. At the end of the day on Saturday, the Hueston group was doing well. By Sunday’s end, they solidified their grip -- but the big prize got away.

Kastel, the perennial Pumpkin champion, put his run in jeopardy on Saturday through an unfortunate foul in race three. That put him behind Peters and Stratton into third place on the day. He recovered with some brilliant starting on a very strange start line and course on Sunday to keep his string alive. But it was close.

There were plenty of highlights for the visitors. HSA’s Dominic Everaet won his first race at an away regatta in the first race on Sunday, besting Kastel by a good margin, the only one in the field to do so. After struggling on Saturday where Everaet had one double digit finish, he got the bullet and a 4^th place in the last race to move into the top five.

Brendan Draper of HSA, sailing in his first Sunfish regatta away from home, led one race and almost made it to the windward mark first before being overhauled by another ISCA newcomer David Parrott, who grabbed that distinction for himself. Draper’s highest finish was a third. Parrott had one of his own.

HSA's Bill Molleran, who was in fourth on Saturday, made up some serious ground by a sterling performance on Sunday where he had a third and a second to give Kastel some serious competition.

HSA’s Bob Fletcher made the biggest jump, going from 12^th on Saturday to 9^th on the final day. Fletcher’s considerable starting skills put him in contention four times for the title of Best Starter.

Louisville’s Chris Naber interrupted a string of HSA finishers by taking fifth place. LSC’s Joe Collins, a perennial trophy finisher at this regatta, had to withdraw after two races due to back problems. 

The regatta's 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishers all had a shot at taking the regatta title on Sunday. But Kastel was true to form and got the literal jump in both of Sunday’s starts on a start line that had everyone questioning where the windward mark really was.

Kastel’s victory was somewhat anticipated, since he usually wins. That anticipation took on new meaning when Kastel was presented his trophy by organizer Eugene Cox. It was a model wooden Sunfish on a pedestal with Kastel’s sail number on the sail.

On Saturday, you didn’t dare be below the line before the start. The current would make you late. Many were just below the line at the gun in start one, yet it took a full minute to cross the start line. Dip starts became the rule.

On Sunday, it was just the opposite. You didn’t dare find yourself anywhere near the starting box under a minute to go since you would likely arrive early no matter how hard you tried to slow down. That’s current for ya.

In all, it was a great weekend. Racing sailors spent a lot of time together both days and had a great time talking about our on-the-water adventures. The Louisville experience is always fun. Especially with current.

Results:

1. Mark Kastel LaCrosse SC 1 1 Ret 1 2 1   23

2. Laura Peters HSA 2 7 2 2 5 5    23

3. Mike Stratton HSA 3 5 1 5 4 6   24

4. Bill Molleran HSA 7 2 9 3 3 2   26

5. Dom Everaet HSA 4 9 11 7 1 4  36

6. Chris Nabor LSC 8 6 6 12 9 3    44

7. David Parrot HSA 10 3 6 10 6 10   47

8. Brendan Draper HSA 11 10 3 11 10 11   56

9. Bob Fletcher  HSA 14 12 7 8 7 9   57

10. Matt Palsha LSC 12 14 4 9 11 8   58

11. Ben Fussenegger LSC 13 13  5 6 12 12   61 

12. Eugene Cox  LSC  9 8 12 13 13 7   62

13. William Sanderson Mohican SC 5 15 10 4 DNC DNC  70

14. Art Parola LSC 16 11 13 14 8 13   75

15. Joe Collins LSC 6 4 DNF DNC DNC DNC  91

16. Elisabeth Niccum LSC 17 18 14 15 15 15  92

17. Erin Smith LSC 15 17 DNC 16 14 14  94

From left to right: LSC's Chris Naber, HSA's Laura Peters, Wisconsin's Mark Kastel, and HSA's Mike Stratton

The LSC clubhouse on the Ohio River

Hueston Sailing contingent from Ohio's Hueston Woods at Louisville

Veteran Mark Kastel showing young Brendan Draper of HSA about rigging an ISCA for racing

Introduction

The Bonaire Regatta is one of the island’s most anticipated annual events. A central attraction is the ISCA class: a small, single-handed sailing dinghy known for its simple design, lively performance, and demanding competition. Bonaire’s steady trade winds and clear Caribbean waters create an excellent setting for ISCA sailors to test their speed, technique, and tactical skills.

ISCA Racing

ISCA racing is especially exciting because each boat is controlled by one sailor. Competitors must steer, trim the sail, balance the boat, and read changes in wind and waves without assistance from a crew. A good start is important, but sailors must also choose the fastest route, react quickly to gusts, and avoid losing speed during turns. Because the boats are similar in design, the result depends strongly on the sailor’s concentration, fitness, and tactical decisions. From the shore, spectators can easily follow the compact boats and their colorful sails as they compete close to the coast.

Three Competition Levels

To make the ISCA class more accessible to a wider range of participants, the competition is divided into three levels. Level A is intended for experienced competitive sailors who are ready to race at the highest level. Level B is for competitive sailors who already have some racing experience but want to develop their skills and gain more confidence. Level C is the entry level, created for newcomers who would like to discover Sunfish racing in an approachable and welcoming environment. This structure allows sailors to compete with others of a similar ability while providing a clear path for progression.

Although the ISCA class was extremely thrilling till the finish of the last race, Robbert Verboon ended first with 20 points just before Paxienrocque Martis with 21 points and Gerard Vos (NLD) and Yellowman both with 22 points. It was remarkable that 13-year old Beau Hilgers won the B class in his first regatta ever with only 7 points out of 9 races (discard of two races (1 and 2)) leaving the more experienced Konstanze Staud and Bert Bol way behind. In the C class ended new member Mees de Smet of the Bonaire Sailing Club first leaving Travis Ruse (USA) and Petri Spykers (NLD) on 2nd and 3rd place

Community and Culture

The ISCA class fits the community spirit of the Bonaire Regatta. Its relatively simple rig and single-sailor format make it an approachable boat for learning the fundamentals of sailing, while experienced competitors can race at a high level. Local sailors, volunteers, families, and supporters contribute to the atmosphere around the races. Music, food, and entertainment complement the sporting program and give visitors an opportunity to experience Bonairean hospitality. Do we see you in 2027? 

Importance for the Island

By featuring ISCA racing, the regatta draws attention to Bonaire’s excellent conditions for small-boat sailing. The competition can encourage young and beginning sailors to develop their skills and helps maintain the island’s strong connection with the sea. The event also supports tourism: visitors come to watch the races, enjoy the festivities, and discover Bonaire’s water-sports culture, benefiting restaurants, shops, accommodation providers, and tour operators.

Conclusion

The ISCA class is one of the most distinctive parts of the Bonaire Regatta. Although the boat is small and its design is straightforward, racing it successfully requires skill, endurance, and smart decision-making. The ISCA races combine close competition with an accessible and welcoming sailing tradition. Together with the cultural program on shore, they make the regatta a celebration of Bonaire’s maritime character and community pride.

Submitted by Ton Bonaire

In preparation for their participation in next month’s ISCA World Championships in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dedrie Pedersen and Paxienrocque Martis completed an extraordinary sailing challenge last weekend: circumnavigating the Caribbean island of Bonaire in an ISCA.

Over a sailed distance of approximately 95 nautical miles, they faced sustained winds of 17 to 26 knots and waves reaching almost two meters, while navigating along stretches of rugged and unforgiving coastline. Undertaking such a demanding offshore passage in a small, open, single-sail dinghy required exceptional endurance, seamanship, concentration and determination.  

Saturday 8 am, only 70 Nm ahead….

Their successful voyage around Bonaire is therefore far more than a training exercise—it is a remarkable achievement and a powerful demonstration of their readiness, resilience and team spirit ahead of the World Championships.

To be sure to be back home before sunset, they decided to do the first “easy” part on Friday. The more challenging part was sailed on last Saturday starting at 7:13 am. Due to the wind and their serious hiking they managed to  reach a top speed of 15.3 knots and were safely back at 3:25 pm. 

Though more than 8 hours sailing in rough conditions.

Submitted by Mary Ellen Ingham

Upper Keys Sailing Club displayed pride in their piece of paradise with fine hospitality at the Florida Regional Championship #2 the weekend of October 17-18, despite decidedly inclement weather in Key Largo.

Conditions were challenging. Saturday had light shifty conditions resulting in only one race able to be sailed. Sunday the decision was to move the start time up to get ahead of the forecast of increasing wind and storms. Unfortunately, the one race that was started had to be abandoned because of a blooming thunderstorm nearby. The wind increased enough after the storm that the remaining races were canceled for the day. 

Upper Keys Sailing Club boasts a race course right off the beach and a welcoming clubhouse and front porch. The club provided an excellent dinner Saturday evening shortly after racers returned to shore, and grilled burgers before everyone packed up to head home. 

FULL RESULTS

1st - Conner Blouin - Charleston YC

2nd - Samuel Ephriam - CGSC **Worlds Spot 2027**

3rd - Michael Birmann - Florida YC 

4th - Hal Gilreath - Florida YC

5th - Anne Marije Veenland-Lee, NED (top female)

6th - Mike Heffernan - SSS

7th - Mary Ellen Ingham - SSC/RCC

8th  - Jesus Salazar - VEN

9th - Marius Satas - SSS

10th - Jose Fuentes - BBYC 

Left to right: Mike Austin, Regatta Chair and PRO from Upper Keys Sailing Club; Anna Marie Veenland-Lee (top woman); Michael Birmann - 3rd; Connor Blouin - 1st; Samuel Ephraim - 2nd & 2027 Worlds spot

End of a day of racing, Saturday night after dinner at Upper Keys Sailing Club watching the sun set in Key Largo, FL. Left to right - Steve Honour, Mike Burman, Hal Gilreath and Don Packard. A reminder that the people in the class make it fun and photos like this are reminders how lucky we are. 

USSCA Members, did you miss the Seminar on Mental Performance by Brian Swingly on October 27th. Don't worry - we taped it. Please visit the www.sunfishclass.org > Member Only Content > USSCA Videos & Seminars. You will find a library of content available to you as a member. 

Thanks to Brian Swingly for his support of the class! 

Hosted by USSC Fleet 756, Gulfport Florida.       

Submitted by Steve Honour 

Winds were wild and winds were mild with 30° shifts, challenging 19 competitors at the Boca Ciega Learn to Race clinic October 23-25 in Gulfport, FL. One violent shift almost capsized a few racers to windward, causing auto-tacks. 

Friday began with practice racing in mild 5-10mph winds and getting familiar with a new course. Afterwards, a rigging demonstration showed how Cheap Thrill, a frequent winner, is set up and how to shift gears for light and strong wind sailing. Later a few of us met at the Gulfport Brewery for some food, drink and music.

The regatta was held on Saturday, and began with a classroom discussion of the peculiarities of the lanteen rig. The clinic then moved outdoors for a strong wind setup and rigging demonstration including the Honour Reef method of putting in and taking out a reef on the water without dropping the sail (from the Lee Montes video).

An interesting new Square Race Course was used, bringing back the fun of planing reaches. Two sides of a square were parallel windward legs, with connecting broad reaches forming a big X. This course avoids having new racers struggle with jibing and planting the bow in the next wave after surfing into it. 

Despite the ominous forecast of gusts in the upper 20's, the actual wind between the gusts was 8-12mph. There were some tantalizingly short bursts of fun planing, which led to some changing of places on the reaches. Waves remained small. Several less-experienced sailors erred on the side of caution and stayed on the beach. Five races were completed in challenging and variable conditions.

Sunday racing was cancelled due to gusts forecast at more than 30mph. A few boats went out for fantastic high speed reaches across Boca Ciega Bay and back, over and over, with whoops and yells! WL courses lack the exhilarating “Woohoo” sustained high speed sprints, the most fun that can be had on an ISCA dinghy, with water shooting up out of the dagger board trunk, falling into the cockpit, and then getting sucked right back out through the bailer. Therefore, reaching courses should be used in planing conditions. 

A fantastic dinner was lovingly prepared by volunteers and devoured by hungry racers, followed by the Awards Ceremony, featuring beautiful hand made wood burned plaques. 

Creative trophies, keepsakes and volunteer food prep are part of how a regatta can be very affordable.  Fleet 756 was happy to present this event for an entry fee of only $30 including keepsakes (cute ISCA tree ornaments), two meals with beer and a dozen possible awards. It is understood that travel and lodging can often be the biggest expenses in attending a regatta, so keeping the registration fee as low as possible is greatly appreciated. 

Top Finishers: Darcy Jensen was 1st Place Female; Danny Frend was 1st Place Apprentice Master; Henry Gale was 1st Place Senior Master; Marius Satas was 1st Place Grand Master. Fauss Hull took 3rd place; Steve Honour was 2nd; and Mike Miller, a new ISCA racer who traveled from Virginia for this event, won 1st Place Overall and First place Great Grand Master, using a chartered metal rim 70's boat. Way to go, Mike! Welcome to the ISCA Class. 

Fleet 756 will be hosting the Florida Regional I on February 26-28, 2027. Registrations will be limited to 50, so plan to sign up early.

Thank you, Tom Steiger, for the excellent photos capturing a fun weekend on the water learning and racing!

New feature in the Windward Leg going forward will be the Burgee Exchange. Highlighting that great tradition of goodwill and camaraderie with fellow clubs. Please send in your pictures.

Barrington Frostbite Series (O), Barrington Yacht Club, RI

(a) Fall Series Sundays: Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, Dec 6, 13, 20

(b) Spring Series Sundays: Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 21, Apr 4, 11, 18, 25

Here is a link to registration: https://theclubspot.com/regatta/YFRADalIx4

ISCA/USSCA Class Administrator

www.sunfishclass.org    info@sunfishclass.org  404-451-7743