Celebrating a Historic Golden Spinnaker Gala
America One Racing extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the Sailing Foundation of New York and the extended sailing community following the extraordinary success of the 2026 Golden Spinnaker Gala.
Hosted by the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island, this year’s gala raised more than $1.5 million in support of American sailors pursuing their Olympic dreams: a record-setting achievement and a landmark moment for Olympic-class sailing in the United States.
For the 27 athletes in attendance, the evening was about far more than fundraising. It was a powerful reminder that while sailors compete fiercely on the racecourse, their journeys are made possible by a much larger community standing behind them.
A1R’s Project Podium team of nine athletes joined 18 other advanced-level sailors from across the country, spending the evening connecting with supporters, sharing stories from training and competition, and reflecting on the collective effort required to reach the Olympic stage. Friends, training partners, former teammates and even future competitors gathered under one roof, united by a shared belief in the future of American sailing.
Throughout the evening, athletes had the opportunity to meet members, donors, volunteers, coaches, industry leaders, and sailing legends whose own journeys helped shape the sport. For many, those conversations served as a powerful reminder that success in Olympic sailing is never achieved alone. Behind every athlete is a network of supporters who provide encouragement, expertise, resources and opportunities along the way.
“The confidence athletes gain from knowing an entire community stands behind them is immeasurable,” said Leandro Spina, Executive Director of A1R. “When supporters invest their time, energy and belief in a team’s journey, it gives athletes the assurance to push their limits, embrace challenges and perform at their very best. That sense of shared purpose becomes a powerful source of strength both on and off the water.”
The evening also reflected a core value of Project Podium: while the program is focused on helping athletes achieve Olympic medal success, it recognizes that raising the level of American sailing requires lifting the entire community. A1R team members and leadership were proud to stand alongside fellow competitors from multiple classes and programs, celebrating not only their own ambitions but the achievements and aspirations of sailors across the country.
Our partner, the Sailing Foundation of New York, has long been a champion of American sailing excellence and this remarkable evening showcased the strength of its mission and community. Through the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests, critical resources will now support the athletes ultimately selected to represent Team USA at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
As American sailors enter the most important years of the Olympic cycle, A1R remains committed to building the foundation needed to compete for medals on the world’s biggest stage. That foundation is built not only through coaching, training and competition, but through the collective commitment of organizations, clubs, donors, volunteers and supporters who believe in the next generation of American sailors.
The impact of this historic evening will be felt far beyond a single night. It represents an investment in people, potential, perseverance and possibility. It is a reminder that Olympic dreams are not pursued alone – they are powered by a village of supporters who believe in what is possible before the rest of the world can see it.
A1R congratulates the Sailing Foundation of New York, New York Yacht Club, event leadership, volunteers, sponsors and supporters on a truly remarkable achievement. Thank you for helping America’s sailors chart their course toward Olympic success.
📸 Josh Edenbaum
