USSTAG Members Receive Top Honors

Anna Tunnicliffe Wins ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) named US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics' (USSTAG) Anna Tunnicliffe the recipient of the 2009 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award, the most prestigious recognition in the sport of sailing. Tunnicliffe was chosen based on her outstanding achievement in a variety of boats and multiple disciplines during the qualifying period of September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2009.

USSTAG's John Ruf Is the New 2.4 mR World Champion

Earlier this month, 2008 Paralympic Bronze Medalist John Ruf clinched the 2.4 mR World Championship a day early, with one race to spare. Ruf, a member of USSTAG, won the 44-boat, open fleet, beating the world's best able-bodied and disabled 2.4 mR sailors, including 2008 Paralympic Gold Medalist Paul Tingley (CAN) and 2009 IFDS Disabled Sailing World Champion Thierry Schmitter (NED). "I'm in shock. I've never won a World Championship," said Ruf. "It's pretty humbling, knowing all those people on the trophy. It's pretty impressive company to be in."

Meet the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics

Meet the Team: Watch Interviews with USSTAG Athletes

USSTAG members have the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games firmly in their sights, as they travel the world to race at some of the most competitive, international events. Who are these athletes and what motivates them to launch Olympic and Paralympic campaigns? What gives them an edge over other sailors? How do they train, on and off the water? Watch these interviews and learn what it takes to be an elite, world-class sailor.

Interview with Anna Tunnicliffe

2009 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Anna Tunnicliffe has had an incredible year, and she has no plans to slow down. Since winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the Laser Radial in 2008, Tunnicliffe has excelled in a variety of boats and multiple disciplines, proving her talent and versatility as an elite sailor. Women's Match Racing will make its debut as an event in the 2012 Olympic Games, so Tunnicliffe had to choose which passion to pursue. She tells US SAILING why she plans to match race and shares what it takes to be one of the best sailors in the world.

From the Helm

US Olympic Sailing Program Chairman Dean Brenner: Why Weymouth? Why Now?

Part of my job as Chairman is to check in directly with our coaches and athletes several times per year so I can see with my own eyes and listen with my own ears what's really going on. In September, I joined our our athletes in Weymouth, England, where they competed at Sail for Gold, the seventh and final stop on the inaugural ISAF Sailing World Cup Tour. There are many major events each year for our athletes, but considering that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Regattas will be held at this venue, this was an important stop for us.

Olympic Sailing Program Announces New US Sailing Development Team

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 US Sailing Development Team (USSDT), a new, youth pipeline team supported by US SAILING's Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC). Formerly known as the US Sailing Team - U18 and US Sailing Team - U23, the USSDT was created for young athletes who have been identified as future Olympic prospects. USSDT members will receive elite-level coaching, guidance and mentoring from the Olympic coaching staff, who will help these athletes acquire the skills to make independent decisions and to compete at the Olympic level. Application deadline is December 1, 2009.

Are You Registered for US SAILING's 2010 Rolex Miami OCR?

Online registration is now open for US SAILING's 2010 Rolex Miami OCR, the second stop on the ISAF Sailing World Cup circuit. Rolex Miami OCR annually draws elite sailors, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists and hopefuls from around the world. In non-Olympic/Paralympic years, the regatta is especially important as a ranking regatta for sailors hoping to qualify for the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, which annually distinguishes the top sailors in each Olympic and Paralympic class. Register today