by Greg Koski

This year’s International Masters Regatta took on added significance when it was officially renamed the Don Trask International Masters Regatta on October 14, 2025. The renaming honors Don Trask, who passed away on September 29, 2025. Don founded the event in 1979 at the St. Francis Yacht Club to celebrate master-level skippers who had made their mark in the sport.

The regatta remains one of the most unique formats in sailing: a 12-race round robin in which competitors switch boats between races. It’s a pure test of skill, teamwork, and adaptability, where every small decision on the water counts.

A Regatta to Remember

This was one of the best regattas I’ve ever done. Being invited to compete was a great honor, not only for the racing itself but for the chance to reconnect with old friends, sail against top-level talent from around the world, and enjoy the thrill of elite competition once again. That’s what makes this event so special—it shows that no matter your age, you can still compete at the highest level of our sport.

The racing was incredibly close, with all twelve boats often rounding marks just a few lengths apart. One small mistake could cost ten places in a heartbeat. That intensity is what makes the Masters so exciting, you’re constantly pushing yourself to perform at your best.

The Blue Jacket Dinner: A Celebration of Legends

Beyond the racing, the Blue Jacket Dinner is always a highlight. The atmosphere at the San Diego Yacht Club is filled with laughter, storytelling, and camaraderie among some of the sport’s greatest sailors. During the dinner, the MC asked, “Who here was a Collegiate Sailor of the Year?” and about 60% of the room stood up. “National Champions?” nearly everyone. “World Champions?” around 90%. “Olympic Medalists?” half the room. And roughly 30% were America’s Cup sailors.

Looking around the room, it’s incredible to realize the depth of talent and shared history gathered in one place. It’s what makes the Masters more than just a regatta, it’s a reunion of legends who still love to compete.

Carrying on the Legacy

The Don Trask International Masters Regatta continues to embody Don’s original vision: a celebration of excellence, friendship, and the enduring spirit of competition. I hope to return in the future and experience it again.

And it’s worth noting that Ullman Sails’ own Chuck Skewes captured the title a few years ago, a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the Ullman legacy on the water.

photos Bronny Daniels