The shifting tides at US Sailing continue, with the recent announcement of Carol Ewing's appointment to the 2026 Board of Directors. This move, filling the seat vacated by Molly O’Bryan Vandemoer – now the Director of Olympic Sailing, a critical role given the US's recent Olympic struggles – brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the sport's intricate ecosystem.

Ewing's resume speaks volumes. Her decades of leadership and operational expertise are precisely what a national governing body requires in an era of rapidly evolving technology and increasing financial demands. While the official announcement from US Sailing highlights her general leadership, those of us who have followed the sport know that 'deep involvement in the sport of sailing at the highest levels' often translates to navigating the complex waters of grand prix campaigns, youth development pipelines, and the often-fraught business of competitive sailing.

This isn't merely a rubber stamp appointment. With the America's Cup cycle in full swing, the SailGP circuit expanding, and the Olympic quadrennial pushing towards Paris 2024 and beyond, US Sailing faces immense pressure to perform. Ewing's operational acumen could be instrumental in streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation – a perennial challenge for any non-profit – and fostering a culture of excellence that can translate into podium finishes. The departure of Vandemoer to a dedicated Olympic role, and now Ewing's arrival, suggests a clear strategic intent: to elevate the administrative and athletic performance of US Sailing. This is a welcome development for a nation eager to reclaim its dominance on the global sailing stage.