Callahan named Sailor of the Year

Harvard skipper Justin Callahan (Miami, FL / Newport, RI) was named the College Sailor of the Year by the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) following the conclusion of the 2025 College Open Fleet Race Championship, held May 27-30 in St. Mary’s City, MD.

Callahan (’26) received the prestigious Everett B. Morris Trophy, recognizing the top collegiate sailor in the nation. Presented annually by the ICSA, the College Sailor of the Year award honors outstanding performance at the highest level of collegiate sailing competition.

He joins an elite group of past recipients who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and consistency on the water. The award is named in honor of Captain Everett B. Morris, a legendary yachting journalist and editor who dedicated over 30 years to chronicling the sport of sailing.

Callahan, who was elected Team Captain in his sophomore year, won 8 of the 18 events he competed in this season and finished in the top three in 16 of the 18 regattas, including Harvard’s first place finish in the College National Team Racing championship. Callahan was also named Sailor of the Year in the highly competitive NEISA Conference.

“Recruiting twin brothers Justin and Mitchell Callahan was the easiest and best decision I ever made!” noted Harvard Head Sailing Coach, Mike O’Connor. “Justin has led the way in establishing a culture in which our students train and compete at the highest level possible.

“In every practice, Justin and his crew (Kennedy Leehealey / Newport Beach, CA) are relentlessly focused – constantly analyzing, adjusting, and striving to improve.

“Justin’s effort and energy in practice every day is even more remarkable than his performance in regattas. He is one of the smartest and most efficient sailors in the history of our team. I am very proud of the manner in which Justin, and our entire team conduct themselves on the water.”

Callahan’s sailing career is remarkable, earning three World Championships and 16 National Championships by age 21, three of which were with Harvard. During the course of his three collegiate seasons, Callahan has been a perennial college All American.

“Justin is an amazing athlete, student, teammate and friend,” adds O’Connor. “His sportsmanship and scholarship are exemplary; he is supremely talented and tenacious. I am so glad that he wears and H on his uniform!”

2024-25 Season

Fall National Championships:
November 9-10: Women’s and Open Singlehanded Nationals – St Petersburg, FL
November 15-17: Match Race Nationals – Oyster Bay, NY

Spring National Championships:
April 24-26: Open Team Race Nationals – Cranston, RI
April 27-28: Women’s Team Race Nationals – Cranston, RI
May 20-23: Women’s Dinghy Nationals – St Marys City, MD
May 27-30: Open Dinghy Nationals – St Marys City, MD