[1] The ISSA was formed in 1930 to govern sailing regattas between preparatory schools in New England.
Now, the ISSA is organized into seven District Associations within ISSA that schedule and administer regattas within their established regions: Individual schools are also responsible for scheduling dual meets and team-racing events.
Instead, most schools have established partnerships with community sailing organizations, colleges, or yacht clubs in order to gain access to a fleet of boats.
Additionally, most high school sailing teams are involved with fundraising.
The ISSA partners with Vanguard Sailboats to help sponsor its national regattas.