Southern California’s sailing community is launching a fundraising drive aimed at improving US sailing results when the Olympic Games return to Los Angeles in 2028.
The grassroots Layline to LA28 initiative is raising funds for America One Racing’s Project Podium, which supports leading US Olympic-class sailors with coaching, sports science and campaign resources.
The campaign comes against a markedly different backdrop to the last Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, when the United States won a sailing medal in every event. The US has won just two sailing medals across the past four Olympic Games.
Dublin Bay World Title Boost
There have, however, been encouraging results during the current Olympic cycle.
America One Racing athlete Charlotte Rose won the ILCA 6 Women’s World Championship on Dublin Bay earlier this month, becoming the first US woman to take the title since 2005.
Rose secured the championship at the National Yacht Club and Royal St George Yacht Club-hosted event in Dún Laoghaire, where Ireland’s Eve McMahon also reached the Medal Series.
Fellow Project Podium athlete Noah Lyons took silver at the iQFOiL World Championships, while US crews have also recorded top-five international results in the men's and women's 49er and 49erFX classes.
Project Podium Athlete Support
Project Podium is designed to allow leading American Olympic sailors to professionalise their campaigns through elite coaching, sports science and technical development.
Organisers say all money raised through the initiative goes towards athlete support.
Layline to LA28 is being led by Southern California sailors Chris and Mary Snow, supported by yacht clubs and volunteers across the region.
San Diego Fundraising Event
The campaign will culminate in a fundraising evening at San Diego Yacht Club on Friday, November 20, bringing together Olympic-class athletes, coaches and past US Olympic medallists.
Paul Cayard, named 2026 Yachtsman of the Year, is due to host the evening, which will also feature a film from sailing broadcaster Gary Jobson and a fundraising auction in aid of Project Podium.
The sailing programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will be staged at San Pedro and Long Beach.
