Lake Forest Sailors Headed to the U.S. Sailing National Championship in Macatawa Bay, Michigan

Tue July 19, 2022

Two Lake Forest sailors took the top Midwest spots in a recent qualifier and will compete in the U.S. Sailing Junior Singlehanded National Championship for the Smythe Trophy, which is held in ILCA 6 dinghies. Sailors Alec Ranker (LFHS ’24) & Leo Kumar (LFHS ’23) finished 1st and 2nd, respectively, at the Area K Smythe Qualifier, held in Muskegon, MI earlier this July. Alec and Leo were accompanied by teammates Peter Janowicz, Maddie Rode, and Grace Renz.

The conditions at the qualifier were light to blustery winds, with big shifts in direction, and flat water. While Leo had dominating race wins, Alec was more consistent over the 8-race regatta. Both sailors will train hard over the coming weeks in preparation for the championship regatta.

The U.S. National Sailing Championship changes host venues each year, and for 2022 they will be held on Lake Michigan in Macatawa Bay, MI from August 8-12, 2022.  “We are hoping for classic Lake Michigan conditions: big waves and big breezes. Alec and Leo have a lot of experience in classic wind-driven Lake Michigan waves,” says coach Will Howard. “We are sending these sailors fair wind and following seas as they represent Lake Forest on the national stage yet again,” added Coach Howard.

The Lake Forest Sailing program of the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department provides training and racing opportunities for all youth interested in committing to the process and offers a wide range of water sports opportunities at our beautiful lakefront. 

For questions about our Lake Forest Sailing Program, please contact:

Will Howard, Program Supervisor

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847.810.3666