The Atlantic Coast Challenge was first established in 2009 to be a Team Racing Regatta between schools from MASSA, MISSA, and & NESSA. Scheduled for the same weekend as the Baker, it is designed to offer an opportunity for intersectional competition for schools that that just missed out on the opportunity to sail at Nationals. The regatta changed its name in 2012 so avoid confusion with the Atlantic Coast Championship - a fall fleet racing regatta sponsored by MASSA. In 2012, the Founders Trophy was donated by the coaches from the three remaining founding schools of high school sailing - Tabor Academy, St. George’s School & The Hotchkiss School -to further the interest in intersectional team racing.
NIT Location Schedule:
2019 - MISSA
2020 - NESSA
2021 - MASSA
In 1996, the Presidents of NESSA renamed the trophy after Fritz Mark Trophy (long time Hotchkiss sailing coach).
In November 2018, the membership, with the backing of Fritz Mark, renamed the NESSA Team Racing Trophy the "President's Trophy" in recognition of all the people who have lead this organization since inception.
In Sept. of 1998, the event was moved to the Fall season (1999 event sailed in Fall of 1998).
In Sept. of 1999, the event expanded to 2 divisions (full rigged lasers and radial rigged lasers).
In May 1988, Moses Brown hosted the first Women's Invite and dedicated the event to Rebecca Herreshoff. Starting in 2013, the event became a Championship regatta complete with qualifying regattas.
In November 1995, NESSA dedicated the Fall Funfest to Wally Gleekman (Past NESSA President).
2018 - H. B. Plant High School (SAISA)
2017 - H. B. Plant High School (SAISA)
2016 - Norfolk Collegiate School (MASSA)
2015 - Milton Academy (NESSA)
2014 - Lake Forest HS (MISSA)
2013 - Tampa Jesuit HS (SAISA)
2012 - Tampa Jesuit HS (SAISA)
2011 - Portsmouth Abbey (NESSA)
2010 - Dairen HS (NESSA)
2009 - The Hotchkiss School (NESSA)