[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
by Connor Marion<\/span><\/span>\u00a0|\u00a0<\/span>March 7th, 2025<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.usmmasailingfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lucky-2025.jpg” title_text=”lucky-2025″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Success in offshore racing is determined not only by the speed of the vessel but also by the meticulous preparation and seamless collaboration of its crew. <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i>, the Juan K 88 skippered by Bryon Ehrhart, exemplifies this principle. With the backing of the USMMA Sailing Foundation and Ehrhart himself, <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> has achieved remarkable milestones, including setting a new monohull race record in the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race, completing the course in 7 days, 20 hours, 34 minutes, and 41 seconds. Additionally, <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> secured Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600, finishing in 1 day, 17 hours, 14 minutes, and 12 seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n These accomplishments highlight the expertise and dedication of <\/span>Lucky\u2019s<\/span><\/i> seasoned crew, which includes some of the most renowned sailors in the sport. Among them are:<\/span><\/p>\n Among the promising young sailors on <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> are Luke Tougas (19) from Marion, Massachusetts, and Sam Rosenbaum (21) from Wayzata, Minnesota. Both are students at the College of Charleston and integral members of its offshore sailing team.<\/span><\/p>\n Tougas honed his sailing skills in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where he quickly developed a passion for offshore racing. Competing in prestigious events such as the Marion-Bermuda Race and the Newport-Bermuda Race at a young age provided him with invaluable experience. During the RORC Caribbean 600, he worked closely with world-class bowman Scott Beavis, supporting him as a midbow. In an interview with RORC Racing, Tougas described his mentors as \u201clegends,\u201d underscoring the profound impact their guidance has had on his development.<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i>, Tougas has competed in the highly competitive Northeast keelboat circuits. Most recently, he has raced on Jon Desmond\u2019s Mills 41 <\/span>Final Final<\/span><\/i>, which was recently donated to Kings Point Maritime Academy to serve as a premier training platform for midshipmen.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite growing up in Wayzata, Minnesota\u2014far from the open ocean\u2014Rosenbaum made a name for himself in youth sailing before transitioning to offshore racing. His dedication led him to major offshore events, including Great Lakes distance races and East Coast offshore circuits.<\/span><\/p>\n Rosenbaum served as a tactician and helmsman on the College of Charleston sailing team, but he has recently shifted his focus more toward trimming, refining his ability to optimize sail shape and performance across different conditions. On <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i>, his role centers on maximizing speed and efficiency, and during the RORC Transatlantic Race, he served as a trim assist, gaining experience in multiple positions.<\/span><\/p>\n His technical expertise extends beyond racing; he has worked closely with Evolution Sails, particularly at their Charleston, SC loft, where he deepened his understanding of sail design and tuning. His collaboration with sailing legend Greg Fisher\u2014a world champion sailor and former Director of Sailing at the College of Charleston\u2014has further honed his skills and knowledge in the sport.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Among the accomplished sailors on <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> are Brian Giorgio and Jeff Miller, both graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point). While at Kings Point, they were members of the Academy\u2019s Offshore Sailing Team, where they developed their offshore racing skills and gained invaluable experience competing at a high level. Their journey exemplifies the pathway that the USMMA Sailing Foundation has created for young sailors looking to break into the sport.<\/span><\/p>\n For years, the USMMA Sailing Foundation has been committed to providing opportunities for young sailors to develop their skills on world-class offshore racing boats like <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i>. Through initiatives such as the Morning Light campaign and the donation of competitive offshore vessels, the foundation has enabled talented young sailors to gain hands-on experience in elite sailing environments. This commitment extends beyond just the sport\u2014it provides access and opportunity to individuals who might not otherwise have a pathway into high-level offshore racing.<\/span><\/p>\n The foundation\u2019s impact reaches beyond the competitive circuit, fostering a community where young sailors can learn, grow, and eventually mentor the next generation. Programs like these not only strengthen offshore sailing but also contribute to developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in the sailors who take part.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> campaign is bolstered by dedicated shore-side and practice crew members, including:<\/span><\/p>\n Their contributions to maintaining and preparing <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> ensure that the yacht remains in peak condition for each race. Their work behind the scenes is essential, allowing the primary race crew to perform at the highest level on the water.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The synergy between experienced professionals and aspiring young sailors aboard <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> underscores the importance of mentorship and teamwork in offshore racing. With the continued support of Bryon Ehrhart and the USMMA Sailing Foundation, programs like <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> not only achieve competitive success but also cultivate the next generation of elite sailors, paving the way for future leaders in the sport.<\/span><\/p>\n As Tougas, Rosenbaum and other young sailors seize these extraordinary opportunities, they are proving that the future of offshore racing is not just about speed and records\u2014it\u2019s about fostering talent, providing opportunity, and ensuring that the next generation of sailors has the foundation to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Lucky<\/span><\/i> campaign and the USMMA Sailing Foundation demonstrate that with the right support, the pursuit of offshore sailing excellence is not just a dream\u2014it is an attainable reality.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Lucky JK88: Breaking Records and Shaping the Future of Offshore Sailing by Connor Marion\u00a0|\u00a0March 7th, 2025Success in offshore racing is determined not only by the speed of the vessel but also by the meticulous preparation and seamless collaboration of its crew. Lucky, the Juan K 88 skippered by Bryon Ehrhart, exemplifies this principle. With the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":9561,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" For the past six years, the USMMA Sailing Foundation has been financially backing the Warrior Sailing program\u2019s administrative expenses and operations. The boat donation program operated by the Sailing Foundation has been offering vessels for use to Warrior Sailing, while also providing funding support to offset any expenses that private donations don\u2019t cover.<\/p> Special Thank you to Ralf Steitz, Larry Larsen, and the USMMA Sailing Foundation board for their continued support of Warrior Sailing.<\/p> The Sailing Foundation has been searching for a headquarters to operate and store vessels belonging to the boat donation program. \u00a0Port Royal is a small waterfront community located between Beaufort, SC and Hilton Head, SC. \u00a0The town has been transforming over the past 4 years as they embark on a large waterfront development project. \u00a0The project development group has opened their doors to The Sailing Foundation and Warrior Sailing. \u00a0The town has embraced the initiatives of the program, and are in the midst of a development agreement with the Sailing Foundation to host the vessels and Warrior Sailing as official partners.<\/p> By supporting the boat donation program and it\u2019s storage needs, Warrior Sailing and other maritime education and training programs will benefit!<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,38,19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9570","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-press-release","category-sailing-events","category-where-are-they-now"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Emerging Talent: The Next Generation of Offshore Racers<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Luke Tougas (19)<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Sam Rosenbaum (21)<\/span><\/h4>\n
Kings Point Graduates & The Foundation’s Role in Developing Young Sailors<\/b><\/h3>\n
Supporting Team Members: The Backbone of <\/b>Lucky<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n
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Mentorship and the Future of Offshore Sailing<\/b><\/h3>\n