In a spirited commencement of their spring sailing season, St. Mary's College of Maryland's team demonstrated skill and teamwork across three Mid-Atlantic regattas this past weekend, March 2-3. The Seahawks secured notable second-place finishes at the DC Team Race and the Navy Team Race Invite, while achieving a commendable fourth place at the Old Dominion University Women's Team Race, signaling a strong start to their 2023-24 campaign.
At the Navy Team Race Invite, the 12th-ranked Seahawks showcased their prowess, finishing with a 9-3 record on Saturday, initially positioning them at the top of the team standings. Their performance was bolstered by notable victories over Ivy League schools, including Cornell University and Princeton University, with St. Mary's College achieving perfect 1-2-3 finishes in several rounds. Despite their efforts, Hobart & William Smith Colleges ultimately clinched the invite with a 12-3 record, leaving the Seahawks to settle for a second-place finish, followed by the U.S. Naval Academy in third place.
The team's strategic acumen was on full display, with juniors Henry Haddon and Max Kleha, sophomore Jonathan Weed, and first-year Nathan Jensen taking the helm as skippers. They were supported by an adept crew comprising junior Brooke Bertrand, sophomore Emily Shioutakon, and first-year Mary Govan, who collectively contributed to the team's commendable performance.
The DC Team Race, hosted by Georgetown, saw the Seahawks again finishing in second place with a 4-4 record after Saturday's rounds. The team's resilience was evident as they overcame challenges, including a lack of wind on Sunday, which precluded further rounds. Georgetown emerged victorious in this regatta, but St. Mary's College's consistent performance across different conditions highlighted its adaptability and competitive spirit.
Further demonstrating the team's depth, St. Mary's College sailors competed at the Old Dominion University Women's Team Race, ending in fourth place. Despite a challenging start with a 2-8 record on Saturday, the team improved their standing on Sunday, thanks partly to a favorable northeast breeze that allowed for race restarts. The University of Pennsylvania took home the win at this event. Still, the Seahawks' ability to secure victories over ranked opponents like Navy and the University of Wisconsin underlined their potential for the rest of the season.
The Seahawks' next engagements include the St. Mary's Team Race and the CNU Women's Fleet Race, scheduled for March 9-10, promising more opportunities for the team to build on their early successes. As the spring season progresses, St. Mary's College of Maryland's sailing team remains a formidable presence in collegiate sailing, with their eyes set on further triumphs in the coming weeks.
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