Port Townsend was one of seven schools that made the trip to Sail Sand Point to compete for the 2010 NW High School Team Racing Championship title and a berth to the ISSA National Team Racing Championship for the Baker Trophy. This was the first time that the Port Townsend Team has competed in the Team Racing Champs; and the group of happy, sun burnt sailors, sailed extremely well and came in 4th. There was one senior and six freshman who competed: Jackson Delagarza, Olivia Gibbons, Cody Kowalski, Coleman Riddle, Emily Bufford, Britz Grant and Darby Flanagan.
Although the weekend was full of sun, wind was not as present. After a short postponement Saturday morning, sailors started the first race in a light SE breeze of about 2-4 knots at 11:30. After 12 varsity races,the SE wind shut off. Sailors enjoyed the sun, the lake, good company and temps in the low 70’s until a northerly eventually filled in at 5:00. Another 14 races were completed by 8:00 in a steady 6-8 knot northerly.
Sunday sailors pushed off into a 4 knot northerly that promptly died after the first race of the day. The race committee had their hands full with shifty winds and battling wind directions. Two more attempts were made at racing before the northerly finally won and filled at 2:00. 12 more races were completed before 3:45 when the wind said goodbye for the day.
Coach Erik had a moment of worry on Sunday afternoon when after a 1,2,3 win against Central Kitsap, the line judge motored over to the dock and ask to speak to the PT coach. He wanted to congratulate the team for a well sailed team race! This group of young sailors learned that it was not only important to get good starts and sail fast, but also to work together as a team to win the race.
With only 39 races complete, just 3 races shy of a second round robin, final scores went back to the first round robin. Congratulations to Bainbridge Island HS for their decisive win.
Final Results:
1. Bainbridge Island HS 6-0
2. North Kitsap HS 4-2*
3. Orcas Island HS 4-2
4. Port Townsend HS 3-3
5. Friday Harbor HS 2-4*
6. Central Kitsap HS 2-4
7. Anacortes HS 0-6
*North Kitsap beat Orcas. Friday Harbor beat Central Kitsap.