Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation: Sailor Stories

To submit a Grant Request, please LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

Haven Giordani at the Junior Sabot Nationals

Posted Oct 15, 2026

Sailors: Haven Giordani

Thank you so much to the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation for supporting me at Jr. Sabot Nationals at Mission Bay this summer! Mission Bay is one of my favorite places to sail, and I was excited to compete for the championship alongside my teammates.

Going into Nationals, my goal was to finally make Gold Fleet. Unfortunately, I missed qualifying by just 3 points and ended up in Silver Fleet. I was disappointed at first, but I knew I still had a chance to have a great regatta. After the first day of the championship series, I was in first place! On the final day, I tied for fifth but lost the tiebreaker, finishing sixth in Silver Fleet and as the top NHYC boat in the fleet.

Even though I didn’t get the exact results I wanted, I’m proud that I kept trying my best, stayed positive, and had fun throughout the regatta. One of my favorite parts of traveling to regattas is spending time with my teammates and our families. We make so many great memories together, and each trip brings us closer as a team.

I’m really grateful for the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation and all the support that you provide!