News: US Sailing Announces 2026 Regional Symposiums and National Coaching Symposium
Photo by Richard Sagredo on Unsplash
US Sailing is pleased to announce the return of its Regional Symposiums and National Coaching Symposium in 2026. Together, these events highlight US Sailing’s continued commitment to education, collaboration, and community building across the sailing landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from local peers, share challenges and successes, and connect with sailors, coaches, and leaders from across their region—strengthening networks and supporting shared growth throughout the sport.
“By partnering with established events across the country, we’re able to meet sailors, coaches, and organizers where they already gather and learn. These regional symposiums strengthen our connections at the local level while expanding access to high-quality education and dialogue that supports the long-term growth of sailing in the United States,” says Andrew Clouston, COO of US Sailing.
2026 Regional Symposiums and National Coaching Symposium Schedule
Southeast Regional Symposium in conjunction with SAYRA Annual Meeting | January 23–25, 2026
The Beach House Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Event highlights include:
US Sailing CEO Charlie Enright Keynote Speaker
College Sailing Pathways and Expectations
Race Management Hot Topics
Junior Sailing Programming
Insurance Q&A presented by Risk Strategies, part of the Brown & Brown team.
More information including the full agenda and registration can be found here: https://sayra-sailing.membershiptoolkit.com/annual_meeting
National Coaching Symposium | February 17–19, 2026
Melges Watersports Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Event highlights include:
Presentations, workshops and hands-on sessions with the leading sailing coaches in the country
On the water sessions and demos featuring Melges boats
Attendance and presentation by Zhik CEO and two-time Olympic 470 Gold Medalist Mat Belcher
More information and registration can be found here: https://www.ussailing.org/events/national-coaching-symposium/
Note: This event will be held rain or shine
Northwest Regional Symposium held in conjunction with The Sailing Foundation Conferences | February 21–22, 2026
Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle, Seattle, Washington
Event highlights include:
February 21: Youth Sailing Leadership Symposium for Coaches and Program Directors
February 22: Get on Board! How to Support Your Sailing Program as a Board Member or Volunteer
Youth and Club Leadership Forum
Race Performance Pathway
Community Sailing Resources and Support
Best Practices for Setting Marks in Deep Water
More information and registration can be found here: https://thesailingfoundation.org/what-we-do/junior-sailing-conferences/
New England Regional Symposium | March 18, 2026
Bristol Yacht Club, Bristol, Rhode Island
Event highlights include:
Sailing Center Staffing and Hiring Recommended Practices
Creative Learn to Sail Programming
US Sailing Staff Attendance
Further details and registration will be available in early 2026.
Additional Regional Symposiums - Details to Be Confirmed
Wisconsin – March 2026
Texas – Late Spring 2026
US Sailing looks forward to engaging with sailors and leaders across the United States in 2026, focusing on the unique needs and priorities of each region.