Olympic Skiff and Nacra Hopefuls Set For Berths and World Titles in Halifax

US Sailing Team athletes set up a full operation in Halifax for the Skiff and Nacra Worlds as they sail for berths, funds, and international experience.
49erFX sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea, launch into Halifax’s St. Margarets Bay ahead of the world championships. Allison Chenard/US Sailing Team

For athletes pursuing the Olympics, World Championships are a critical piece of the journey: it’s the annual opportunity to qualify for the US Sailing Team, an important check-in with the international fleets on the way to Paris 2024, and the time for a fresh reset of world rankings. 12 US Sailing Team athletes and 22 other Americans, hoping to gain USST status, will take to the water in St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia August 31 – September 5.

On the water for the US Sailing Team: 49er Ian Barrows (St. Thomas, USVI) & Hans Henken (Coronado, Calif.); Andrew Mollerus (Larchmont, NY) & Ian MacDiarmid (Delray Beach, Fla.); Nevin Snow (San Diego, Calif.) & Mac Agnese (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

49er FX Stephanie Roble (East Troy, Wis.) & Maggie Shea (Wilmette, Ill.) Nacra 17

Riley Gibbs (Long Beach, Calif.) & Lara Dallman-Weiss (Shoreview, Minn.); Sarah Newberry Moore (Miami, Fla.) & David Liebenberg (Richmond, Calif.) US Sailing Team Nacra 17 athletes Sarah Newberry Moore and David Liebenberg placed third at the Nacra 17 North American Championship earlier this month, also in St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia.

“The North American Championship was a great opportunity to race on the same waters as the World Championship and learn the weather patterns,” said Newberry Moore. “It was good to check in with the other boats, get some reps around the course, and build familiarity with Nova Scotia.”

The USST is using this event as a test for future regattas and is bringing a new level of support by setting up a team house near the venue where Team athletes can come for meals, physical therapy, weather briefings, and find relaxation and community with their fellow teammates.

“Our athletes and coaches have been training in Nova Scotia for three weeks. We also have a strong support staff on site,” said Paul Cayard. “It takes a complete Team, on and off the water, to win at the Olympic level and US Sailing is taking the opportunity at these larger Olympic events to build a support team commensurate with our athletic team.”

The US Sailing Team’s Nevin Snow puts the final touches on his 49er boom ahead of the 49er World Championship in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which will serve as a key team qualifier. Allison Chenard/US Sailing Team

The Skiff & Nacra World Championships are back in North America for the first time since 2016 in Clearwater, Florida, and this year’s event is shaping up to be one for the books with great opportunities for American fans to keep up with the livestream in real time (details below) The fleets have traveled to Portugal, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, and Oman since 2016 and have now landed in Nova Scotia for the 2022 edition.

LIVE COVERAGE Schedule & Links:

2022 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships, Halifax – Qualifying – Day 3

September 2, 2022 @ 10:00 am ET / 7:00 am PT

2022 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships, Halifax – Gold Fleets – Day 4

September 3, 2022 @ 10:00 am ET / 7:00 am PT

2022 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships, Halifax – Gold Fleets – Day 5

September 4, 2022 @ 10:00 am ET / 7:00 am PT

2022 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships, Halifax – Gold Fleets – Day 6

September 5, 2022 @ 9:00 am ET / 6:00 am PT

2022 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships, Halifax – Medal Races – Day 6

September 5, 2022 @ 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT