NJ Optimist Triple Crown 2026
What a summer!
Over the past two months, more than 400 young sailors from across the country came together for three major USODA regattas on the Barnegat Bay, Toms River, and Little Egg Harbor.
The New Jersey Youth Sailing Foundation proudly presents the NJ Optimist Triple Crown 2026, celebrating the depth and dedication of New Jersey sailors who competed across the Optimist U.S. National Championship, Atlantic Coast Championship, and New Jersey State Championship.
HIGHLIGHTS
93 sailors earned points over the course of the summer
14 New Jersey yacht clubs were represented, from Shrewsbury to Stone Harbor
31 sailors competed in the Championship Fleet of all three events and received special Triple Crown T-shirts recognizing the accomplishment
Jim Walsh served as PRO for all three regattas – a huge commitment and well deserving of a special shoutout!
20 local sailors qualified for the 2027 USODA Team Trials, hosted by Brant Beach Yacht Club next April
🏆 NJ OPTIMIST TRIPLE CROWN 2026 CHAMPION 🏆
After 8 days on the water and 26 total sets, the Triple Crown Champion has been named.
🥇 Jack Van Orden - Brant Beach Yacht Club / Team LBI
Jack delivered three strong performances throughout the summer, including top New Jersey finisher at Opti Nationals, to claim the title with 606 points.
🥈Theodore “TJ” Hutler IV - CERT
TJ charged into second overall with 583 points after a third-place finish at the Atlantic Coast Championship.
🥉 Frances Smith – CERT / Bay Head Yacht Club
Frances finished third overall and earned Top Girl honors with 577 points.
Special thanks to Colie Sails for generously donating the personalized awards for our top finishers.
TOP 10
Jack Van Orden - 606 points
Theodore Hutler IV - 583 points
Frances Smith - 577 points
Isla Chin - 566 points
Benjamin Qualshie - 526 points
Lachlan Curry - 503 points
Drayke Glass - 502 points
Ellen Wetzel - 500 points
Annabella Scafario - 485 points
Juliette Moll - 428 points
SPECIAL AWARDS & RECOGNITION
The Triple Crown was about more than podium finishes. Several sailors earned special recognition for performance throughout the series.
👑 Top Finisher in Two Events: Hayden Spamer – CERT / Mantoloking Yacht Club
Finishing 11th overall, Hayden was the top finisher based on combined points from Opti Nationals and ACCs.
Hayden had quite the ACCs weekend. During Friday’s practice, she came to the aid of a teammate experiencing a choking emergency, performing the Heimlich maneuver on the water. A fine display of composure and care for a fellow sailor when it mattered most!
◇ Top White Fleet Finisher: William Brown – CERT / Toms River Yacht Club
💎 Jewel of the Bay: Charlie Lukins – Toms River Yacht Club
Special thanks to BBYRA for supporting the Jewel of the Bay Award, which recognized the top-performing eligible Optimist sailor based on combined points from the New Jersey State Championship and Atlantic Coast Championship who did not compete in the U.S. National Championship.
❇️ Future Stars Recognition: Four Green/Silver Fleeters also competed in all three Triple Crown events:
Hannah B. – Toms River Yacht Club
Carson K. – Toms River Yacht Club
Everett M. – Ocean Gate Yacht Club
Jack W. – Toms River Yacht Club
Congratulations to the entire New Jersey Optimist sailing community – sailors, families, coaches, and regatta volunteers – who made this an incredible season of racing, sportsmanship, and fun!
🔗 Full results: https://www.newjerseyyouthsailing.org/programs/njoptimisttriplecrown2026