US Sailing in need of renewal

When Charlie Enright was named US Sailing Chief Executive, it marked a shift for the national governing body of sailing. Enright, 40, joins the organization from professional sailing, taking over from Alan Ostfield, a well-traveled sports and entertainment professional with no sailing experience.

Ostfield held the position for three years, and while the organization said he was “instrumental in driving the organization’s recent transformation”, others aren’t so sure. Lou Sandoval offer his two cents:

Congratulations on your appointment as CEO of US Sailing. I’ve admired your journey—from racing on the world stage to becoming a beacon for American sailing—and I’m excited to see you bring your tenacity, vision, and passion to this crucial leadership role.

As a lifelong sailor, past Commodore of the Chicago Yacht Club, and business leader with experience in organizational turnarounds, I feel compelled to share some reflections—and hopes—on the opportunity before you and the necessity for reform within US Sailing.

A National Governing Body in Need of Renewal
US Sailing stands at a critical crossroads. Many in the sailing community, from grassroots yacht clubs to elite programs, sense a disconnect between US Sailing’s mission and its actual delivery of value. Too often, stakeholders feel unheard, underserved, and unaligned with the national body meant to champion their interests.

Years of fragmented governance, inconsistent service delivery, and outdated engagement models have created a perception of bureaucratic drift. The time for incremental Adjustments has passed. What is needed now is bold, transformative leadership that re-centers US Sailing on its core purpose: to serve, inspire, and unite the American sailing community.

Principles for Organizational Turnaround
From one leader to another, here are four strategic pillars I believe are essential to revitalizing US Sailing:

1. Stakeholder-First Culture
Rebuild trust by actively listening to regional clubs, race officials, instructors, and volunteers. Create feedback loops that go beyond surveys and facilitate real dialogue. If we want more Americans sailing, we must co-create solutions with the people doing the hard work locally every day and engage a new generation.

2. Operational Transparency & Accountability
US Sailing must be considered a well-run, efficient, modern organization. Publish clear KPIs, financial dashboards, and strategic progress reports. Empower your staff with clear roles and celebrate operational excellence, not just competitive success.

3. Modernization Through Digital Engagement
The way people interact with sports, membership, and education has changed. Sailing must keep pace. Invest in digital tools for certification, race management, and community building. A reimagined mobile and web user experience could become your greatest amplifier of reach and relevance.

4. Diversity, Equity & Growth
Our sport needs to reflect the richness of America. You’ve already been a voice for opening doors through your leadership on the water—now bring that spirit to the helm of US Sailing. Partner with yacht clubs, schools, and community sailing programs to seed lasting, inclusive growth.

An Invitation to Collaborate
Charlie, I know firsthand how difficult reform can be—but also how rewarding. You now have the rare opportunity to lead a legacy institution into a new era. My door is open to support that work. There will be no shortage of advice or willingness to help in the coming year. Choose wisely.

Whether it’s navigating governance reform, operational improvement, or expanding sailing’s footprint across the Great Lakes and beyond, I would welcome the chance to collaborate and share lessons learned. Together, we can help US Sailing not only recover but thrive.

Sailors are optimists by nature. We read the wind, chart a course, and keep moving forward. Let’s do that now for the future of our sport.

Fair winds and following seas,
Lou Sandoval
Past Commodore
Chicago Yacht Club
Turnaround Strategist | Advocate for Inclusive Sailing