Very few sailing events embody the true spirit of sailing quite like the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship. This year’s championship, hosted by Clearwater Community Sailing Center, will feature 12 2.4mR sailors racing in singlehanded action from November 18 to 20.

The U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship is one of the oldest sailing regattas in the U.S. for sailors with disabilities. The talented field often includes Paralympians, current or former US Sailing Team members, and new contenders.

First established in 1986, the U.S. Independence Cup became US Sailing’s National Championship for sailors with disabilities in 1989. In 2007, the regatta moved under the championships division of US Sailing and was renamed the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship.

Many competitors from this championship have gone on to represent the United States at the Paralympic Games including Nick Scandone, gold medalist at the 2008 Paralympics, and Jennifer French, silver medalist at the 2012 Paralympics.

These athletes will be competing this week to stake claim to the Judd Goldman Trophy. Peter Goldman donated the Judd Goldman Trophy in honor of Justin “Judd” Goldman (1914-1989) who, despite his own physical disability, was an accomplished sailor and inspired the creation of the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program in Chicago.

Source : http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2016/11/17/u-s-disabled-sailing-championship-2/