US Sailing originated as the North American Yacht Racing Union (NAYRU), which was founded on October 30, 1897, by six clubs: the Inter-Lake Yachting Association, New York Racing Association, Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound, Yacht Racing Association in Massachusetts, and the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club.
The main order of business was to standardize racing and rating rules among the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. That was unsuccessful and the NAYRU seems to have been inactive until 1925, when Clifford D. Mallory revived it and became the union's president.
Over the next several years, the NAYRU became involved with efforts by the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) to standardize racing, rating, and right-of-way rules.
Although the Canadian Yachting Association was founded in 1931, the NAYRU continued to represent some Canadian yacht clubs until 1975, when it became the United States Yacht Racing Union (USYRU). The following year, the USYRU was recognized by U. S. Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of sailing. In October of 1991, the USYRU became the U. S. Sailing Association, doing business as US Sailing.
US Sailing conducts 17 national championships for adults, juniors, and disabled sailors. The association also certifies sailing instructors and judges.
There are four major championships: the Clifford D. Mallory Cup, for the U. S. Men's Sailing Championship; the Mrs. Charles Francis Adams Trophy, for the U. S. Women's Sailing Championship; the Prince of Wales Bowl, for the U. S. Match Racing Championship; and the George R. Hinman Trophy, for the U. S. Team Racing Championship.