A Season Worth Celebrating
What a remarkable fall for Navy Sailing! From capturing the Kennedy Cup national championship for the first time since 2012 to claiming a third consecutive McMillan Cup, our offshore sailors have given us plenty to celebrate. Our intercollegiate team has also delivered impressive results, adding to an exciting season on the water.
Beyond the racing, we've had the opportunity to bring together an extraordinary group of sailing leaders and supporters, recognize the generosity of our Naval Academy Sailing Foundation leadership donors, and share Navy Sailing's story with new audiences.
As we look ahead to Navy Athletics Giving Day on December 1, we're grateful for the community that makes these opportunities possible. There's never been a more exciting time to be part of Navy Sailing!
Offshore Sailing: Two Championships. One Remarkable Season.
Navy Offshore Sailing has capped an extraordinary fall season with victories in two of collegiate sailing's most prestigious competitions, capturing the McMillan Cup for the third consecutive year and the Kennedy Cup national championship for the first time since 2012. Winning both titles in the same season marks a tremendous achievement for the program and its Midshipmen sailors.
Navy Captures First Kennedy Cup National Championship Since 2012
Navy Offshore Sailing captured the 2026 Kennedy Cup, claiming the intercollegiate big-boat national championship for the first time since 2012. Led by senior skipper Aden Newman '27, the Midshipmen competed against nine other collegiate teams over three days of challenging and shifting conditions on the Chesapeake Bay.
With the top four schools separated by just a handful of points heading into Sunday's final racing, Navy emerged victorious after a dramatic conclusion in fading winds. The championship capped an exceptional fall season and marked Navy's long-awaited return to the top of collegiate offshore sailing.
2026 Kennedy Cup Championship Crew
Aden Newman '27 (Skipper), Nico Martinez '27, Frank Bradshaw '27, Ford Buckley '27, Lauren Aaby '27, Lawton Harper '28, Brendan Hawko '28, Nolan Stanfield '28, and Sofia Parker '29.
Navy Claims Third Consecutive McMillan Cup
Just two weeks earlier, Navy Offshore Sailing continued its dominance at the McMillan Cup, capturing the prestigious trophy for the third consecutive year while sweeping the top two positions in the ten-team fleet.
Competing in challenging conditions on the Chesapeake Bay, Navy's two crews overcame strong winds and tough competition. After trailing the College of Charleston at the end of Saturday's racing, senior skipper Aden Newman '27 led Navy's winning boat to victory, while Maggie Bush '28 skippered the second-place team.
The first- and second-place sweep was a remarkable achievement at college sailing's oldest regatta and set the stage for Navy's national championship triumph two weeks later.
2026 McMillan Cup Championship Crew
Aden Newman '27 (Skipper), Frank Bradshaw '27, Lauren Aaby '27, Brent Anderson '27, Mike Fernandez '27, Lawton Harper '28, Dathyn Paxton '28, Nolan Stanfield '28, and Sofia Parker '29.
A Season to Remember
Together, these victories reflect the talent, preparation and teamwork of Navy's offshore sailors and the strength of a program that continues to develop future Navy and Marine Corps leaders through competition on the water.
"Winning the McMillan Cup and bringing home the Kennedy Cup National Championship after a 14-year drought is a massive milestone for our team and a fitting end to a season defined by flexibility and resilience. Fighting back from behind wasn't just how we won both regattas; it was the theme of our entire season. We couldn't be prouder of how this team stayed focused, trusted the process and believed in each other. The ability to handle adversity, communicate under pressure and bounce back from setbacks will serve us well beyond sailing and throughout our careers in the fleet."
Aden Newman '27 and Nico Martinez '27
Offshore Sailing Team Co-Captains
Intercollegiate Sailing: Championship Performances and National Ambitions
Cole Fanchi Wins MAISA Singlehanded Championship
Navy freshman Cole Fanchi '30 captured the MAISA Open Singlehanded Championship for the Carl Van Duyne Trophy, bringing the title back to Annapolis for the first time since 2017. Competing against 17 other sailors, Fanchi overcame an early boat breakdown and entered the final race just one point behind Georgetown senior Peter Barnard, who had won the championship the previous two years. Fanchi saved his best for last, winning the final race to secure the conference title.
The victory also earned Fanchi an automatic berth in the ICSA Open Singlehanded National Championship, scheduled for November 7–8 in Rye, New York. Navy senior Spencer Dominguez '27 also delivered a strong performance, finishing fifth overall.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fanchi sailed for Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and trained in the ILCA class with Lauderdale Yacht Club's highly accomplished team. He plans to study Quantitative Economics at the Naval Academy.
Navy Takes Second at MAISA Match Racing Championship
Navy's match racing team earned an impressive second-place finish at the MAISA Match Race Championship for the Intrepid Trophy, hosted by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Sailing J/70s, the team of Owen MacWilliams '28 (Skipper), Hugh Carty '27, Kyle Reinecke '28, Noelle Sizemore '29, and Kaya Hancock '30 advanced through the round-robin competition as the second seed. Navy then swept St. Mary's College of Maryland 2–0 in the semifinals to earn a spot in the championship match against Georgetown.
Although the Hoyas prevailed in the finals, Navy's runner-up finish earned the team an at-large berth in the 2026 ICSA Match Race National Championship, scheduled for November 14–15 at Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach, California.
Navy Sailing Leadership Gathers in Annapolis
An extraordinary gathering of sailing talent and leadership came together in Annapolis in late October as members of the Naval Academy Sailing Foundation (NASF) Board of Trustees and Fales Committee met to celebrate Navy Sailing's successes and help shape its future.
Few sailing programs can claim such an impressive collection of experience and accomplishments. Among the members of these two groups are retired Navy admirals, New York Yacht Club commodores, Olympians, America's Cup competitors and champions, collegiate Sailors of the Year, All-Americans, world champions and some of the most respected leaders in the sailing community. Together, they share a commitment to supporting Navy Sailing and developing our nation's future Navy and Marine Corps officers.
The meetings offered an opportunity to recognize recent competitive achievements, discuss program priorities and explore new ways to strengthen Navy Sailing for years to come.
An Evening of Gratitude and Recognition
A highlight of the gathering was a special dinner hosted by Naval Academy Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael Borgschulte '91, USMC, and his wife, Dr. Gitte Borgschulte, at Farragut House, the Superintendent's residence.
During the evening, renowned sailor and NASF Trustee Gary Jobson offered remarks recognizing the generosity and commitment of the Foundation's leadership campaign donors. These early supporters have helped launch NASF's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, making meaningful investments in the future of Navy Sailing. Their generosity is helping provide the boats, equipment, coaching and competitive opportunities that allow the program to thrive and continue developing our nation's future Navy and Marine Corps leaders.
Special recognition was given to Clare Harrington; Laura and Alec Cutler '88; Claire and Tony Parker; Maureen and Nick Madigan '81; and Beth and Brad Rodi '93. Each was presented with a commemorative plaque in appreciation of their leadership and generosity.
The evening was a meaningful celebration of the people who believe so deeply in Navy Sailing and its mission to develop leaders of character, confidence and commitment through the sport.
Navy Sailing Featured During Audrain Motor Week in Newport
The Naval Academy Sailing Foundation was honored to be the designated beneficiary of a fundraising cocktail reception held October 2 during Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week in Newport, Rhode Island.
The event welcomed approximately 150 guests and featured a special display of exceptional automobiles, adding to the excitement of one of Newport's premier automotive celebrations. As the evening's charitable beneficiary, NASF had the opportunity to introduce guests to its mission of developing future Navy and Marine Corps leaders through sailing.
We are grateful to the event organizers for including us in this special evening.
Dixon Smith Delivers Keynote at Sailing Industry Breakfast
Vice Admiral Dixon Smith '83, USN (Ret.), Director of Competitive Sailing, was invited to deliver keynote remarks at the Sailing Industry Breakfast on October 16, held in conjunction with the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Speaking to sailing industry leaders and professionals, Dixon drew on his experience as a three-star Navy admiral to share insights on leadership, building community and the importance of cultivating outside support throughout his career.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to raise Navy Sailing's visibility and share its mission with leaders across the sailing industry.
Gary Jobson Shares Lessons from the Back of the Boat
NASF Trustee and renowned sailor Gary Jobson recently shared his insights on coaching and mentorship in an article for Sailing World, titled Gary Jobson's Rules for Coaching from the Back of the Boat, which was also featured in Scuttlebutt Sailing News.
We're fortunate to have Gary and so many other accomplished sailors generously sharing their time, experience and knowledge with our Midshipmen. Their mentorship goes well beyond racing tactics, helping develop the decision-making, teamwork, accountability and leadership skills that will serve these young men and women throughout their careers as Navy and Marine Corps officers.
Gary's commitment to Navy Sailing, both through his hands-on coaching and his leadership with NASF, is a wonderful example of giving back to the sport while investing in the next generation.
Read Gary's article in Sailing World.
Help Us Spread the Word: Deputy Director of Navy Sailing
Navy Sailing is seeking candidates for the position of Deputy Director of Navy Sailing, an active duty Surface Warfare (1110) post-department head billet (billet sequence code 6120).
If you know a qualified officer who might be interested in this opportunity, please share this information with them. Those interested in learning more should contact Director of Competitive Sailing Vice Admiral Dixon Smith '83, USN (Ret.), at dismith@usna.edu.
Save the Date: Navy Athletics Giving Day, December 1!
Mark your calendars! Navy Athletics Giving Day is Tuesday, December 1, and Navy Sailing is setting its sights on an ambitious goal: raising $200,000 for the Sailing Excellence Fund!
This annual event brings the Navy Athletics community together in support of our Midshipmen athletes. Every gift, regardless of size, helps provide the training, equipment, technology and competitive opportunities that support both our Intercollegiate and Offshore Sailing programs.
Look for more information in the coming weeks about how you can participate. For now, save December 1 and plan to join us in supporting Navy Sailing!
Help Us Stay Connected
Please feel free to share Inside Navy Sailing with others who might enjoy staying connected to Navy Sailing. If you received this from a friend and would like to join our mailing list, sign up here.
GO Navy – SAIL Navy – Stay NAVY!
