June 28, 2004 – St. Thomas sailors Cy Thompson and Thomas Barrows made the Virgin Islands a big winner at the United States Youth Sailing Championships. Thompson won the Laser Radial Class and Barrows placed third in the Laser Class. About 150 youth sailors from 19 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were selected by the United States Sailing Association for the event held June 18-24.
Sailor raced in three classes, Laser, Laser Radial (the same hull, but slightly smaller sail) and the 420, the only two-person dinghy class. Before starting the four days of racing, professional coaches held advanced clinics for each class. There were also presentations by America's Cup sailors and recent solo around-the-world winner Brad Van Liew and a tall ship parade past the race course on the first day of racing.
Thompson jumped out to lead his class from the first day of racing and held on to a comfortable lead on the pack regardless of the various conditions. In contrast, Barrows made consistent finishes near the top and improvement over the regatta on his path to the podium. Barrows scored his only first in the final race of the series, ensuring him third place and leaving him just one point from second. Thompson and Barrows were joined at the event by Taylor Canfield and Addison Caproni, who finished in mid-fleet in the 420 two-person dinghy.

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