How to Apply

1) Applications must be submitted online via the US SAILING website . You may apply in more than one fleet, but will need to submit separate applications. The application fee is $35 per application. The application must be submitted no later than midnight Eastern Time on March 15. NO EXCEPTIONS! Charter applications must be made separately and online. A limited number of charters in all four fleets will be awarded based on date of application to the championship and distance. A charter application will not be considered complete until both charter and application forms are submitted. For details, see below.

You must be a current US SAILING member to have your application considered.  You  cannot turn 19 during the current calendar year.  If you are 18 now and going to be 19 by the end of the year, you are ineligible.

2) US SAILING Membership:  Your member ID number can be found on your membership card. If you are part of a family membership, you will have a different ID number from your parents. Applying with your parent's membership number is not acceptable and you will be asked to re-apply.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may apply to the national chair for a waiver.   You must have been a legal resident of the US for at least five years to request a waiver.  Waiver requests must be received by March 1 - no exceptions.

To check your membership status, go to www.ussailing.org/directory/member.asp If you need your membership number, e-mail membership@ussailing.org.

3) Before you begin: Print out the worksheet.  This lists many of the regattas the selectors use to evaluate applications. Review your past year's performance (March 15, last year to March 15, this year) and find out how you finished in the listed regattas. You aren't expected to have attended any of these, but if you have, you are required to include your results.

In addition to the regattas listed on the worksheet, you will be asked to provide your three best regattas. These should be different from the regattas listed on the worksheet and should be from the past year. These events may already be included as part of the required list (in which case we have them) but we are really looking to see how you did in other regattas so it is of particular importance that you tell us about them. This is your chance to give us important information we might otherwise miss. There are many very competitive regattas that do not include many of your fellow applicants. This is particularly true if you are transitioning into the youth boats from other classes (such as the Optimist) or have only attended a few of the larger events. The selectors need to know if you did well in them! There may also be events that are not on the list that were very competitive and did include other applicants. It is good for the committee to know about these also.  You should include for each:

i) Name of regatta
ii) Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
iii) Number of entries
iv) Number of races
v) Your finish
vi) Whether you were skipper or crew

4) Complete the application: Complete all requested information. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. It's ok for your parents to check it over but it is not ok for your parents to fill it out - and we can tell the difference. Spelling counts.

a) Both skipper and crew must fill out the resume and training sections of the application. Teams should fill out the application together with the helm's information listed first.

b) Use your home address, not your school address. Provide an e-mail address that you check often and where we can send you information including over the summer. We will communicate directly with you.

Once an application is complete, you will get an e-mail confirming your application. If you do not get an e-mail, your application is not received. If your application is marked Pending, it means that you or your crew have not completed all the necessary forms. Pending applications will not be considered.  You can go in at any time up until the deadline to modify your application using the log in provided in your e-mail .

5) Fees: Only the application fee (and membership fee if applicable) will be charged at the time of application. Make sure the name and billing address are correct for the credit card. Don't put your name if you are using your parent's credit card. The credit card will not be accepted and your application will not be complete. Entry fees and charter boat fees will be collected after sailors have been accepted. You will be notified when and where to send these fees.

6) Charter Boats: The Youth Championship Committee will assign charter boats. Charters are assigned based on distance and date of application. Charter Boats are intended for those who do not regularly sail in the class, or in cases where it is not possible for a sailor to bring his or her own boat. The number of charters is limited - sailors who own or have access to a competitive boat are encouraged to make arrangements to bring their own boat. If you apply for a charter and are awarded one, you will be responsible for any charter fees unless the boat can be reassigned. A charter application will not be considered complete until both charter and application forms are submitted. The date of submission of the last form will determine the date of submission of a charter request.

7) Birth Certificates or Passports: Send a copy only if you are asked.

8) Notification of Acceptance: Each applicant will receive written notification by e-mail in early May.There are no pre-determined fleet sizes but a maximum of 150 sailors in total may be invited. A list of accepted sailors will be posted on the web site on or about May 1st. DO NOT call US SAILING or the host club to find out if you have been accepted. 

9) Questions: send an e-mail to Championships@ussailing.org.