Change coming from US Sailing

The challenge for a national federation is to be relevant to its constituents. For a sport as diverse as sailing, and for a country as large as the USA, the challenge for US Sailing is significant. Charlie Enright, who now leads the organization, provides this update:

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As I mark 100 days as CEO of US Sailing, I want to take a moment to reflect, report, and recommit—to you, to our mission, and to the future of sailing in the United States.

This past May, my career pivoted. I went from being a professional sailor into the role of Chief Executive Officer at US Sailing. Why? Because, for 15 years I worked toward one personal goal – to win The Ocean Race. Thanks to the help of many others along the way, we were able to achieve that goal.

Shortly after our victory, I entered a period of reflection and kept asking myself: what is next? Where do you go after summiting your own personal Everest? The more I thought about it, the more a couple things stood out. I love teams. I love purpose. I love things that are difficult and complex. And, most importantly, I love sailing.

Sailing has given me so much. It has helped me build a community full of lifelong partners, supporters, and friends. It has taken me around the world three times. It has introduced me to a wife and is subsequently responsible for my two wonderful children – who are now enjoying the sport of sailing in their own way, as little Opti groms and weekend cruisers.

Above all, the sport of sailing has helped me grow – as a person, as a leader, as a husband, as a father and as a teammate.

I got into sailing thanks to my late grandfather, Clint Pearson, a boat builder in Bristol, Rhode Island. Now, I have the privilege of leading US Sailing, the sport’s National Governing Body, right here in that very same town.

In these first few months as CEO, I’ve had the privilege of listening. I’ve heard what inspires you—and what frustrates you. I’ve witnessed the dedication that defines the sailing community and the passion that powers our sport.

Along with our team, I have taken a hard and honest look at US Sailing: who we are, how we operate, and most importantly, how we serve you, our members and the broader sailing community.

Sailing is evolving; so are the needs of our programs, our partners, and our next generation of sailors. From the youth pipeline to Olympic performance, safety standards to the rules, education to offshore, umpires and judges to race officers, regatta support to club services — we have a responsibility to lead with excellence, transparency, and impact.

It is clear: for US Sailing to remain relevant, we must change. – Read on