New generation arrived in A Scow Class

Bob Schroeder’s I-210 Hall Pass, helmed by 17-year-old William Schroeder, completed a wire-to-wire victory at the 2026 A Scow US National Championship on June 26-28, with 22 of the 38-footers racing on the crystal-clear waters of Torch Lake, Michigan.

“I can’t believe this is happening right now,” said Schroeder. “I mean, it’s crazy. It’s hard to win in this fleet: Everyone has to be perfect. One little mistake from one person and it can all fall apart. When it all comes together, there’s nothing better. I’m just grateful my dad gave me the opportunity to drive. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

The team established itself immediately on Day One, leading at every mark while posting a 2-1 scoreline before carrying that momentum through the remainder of the regatta. No team had better starts as Hall Pass launched cleanly off the line, putting themselves in position to control races from the front.

William Schroeder was joined by tactician Will Huerth, brother Marshall Schroeder, Matthew Sexton, Morgan Standley, Billy Madden, and Charlie Huerth.

Schroeder is the youngest helmsmen ever to win an A Scow National Championship, with the title earned against one of the deepest fleets in recent memory. No team won more than one race during the championship.

Paul Reilly’s I-414 Red Sky Sailing Team secured second overall while defending champions T Freytag’s I-7 Madcap rounded out the podium in third.

“The A Scow is one of the best classes in the world,” said Huerth. “We call them the Maxis of the Midwest for a reason. America’s Cup sailors, Olympic sailors… Every race is a dogfight right off the line.”

Torch Lake proved a spectacular stage. Caribbean-blue water, towering pines, and long northern Michigan summer evenings framed three days of championship racing.

The 2027 A Scow National Championship will be contested June 25-27 on Lake Minnetonka, located about 16 miles west-southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Race details – Results – Photos

Source: Hannah Lee Noll