PT sailing team members Shawn Huston and Mackenzie Ginther going for a mark rounding in boat #1
The hardy young sailors have begun their season despite cold temperatures, high winds and downpours of rain. While coaches have had to wisely call off a few practices due to gales, the team has managed to compete in two regattas which took place in Seattle. Both events ironically turned out to be light air affairs. The team’s first event was held under sunny skies at the Seattle Yacht Club on Portage Bay. Despite fickle winds, Port Townsend sailors managed to finish in 10th and 11th place out of 15 in the more competitive “Captain’s Fleet.” The following weekend, held at Sail Sandpoint on Lake Washington was sailed in a light, shifty southerly with steady rain. Port Townsend’s sailors finished 3rd, 7th and 13th out of 23 competing teams.
“This bunch of kids is starting to see the results of all their hard work at practices with some good results on the race course. Their success comes from maintaining a positive attitude no matter what the conditions are,” said Coach Erik Coburn.
Thanks to the Northwest Maritime Center and the local community the team is starting the season with the boats in great shape and with new sets of sails! Local businesses – Admiral Ship Supply, Shipwrights Co-op, Haven Marine, PT Rigging, Carl’s Building Supply, Alcyone Sail Training plus individuals Scott Flickenger, Richard McNish and Susan Moffat all sponsored a sail, that combined with other contributions made it possible for the team to get 6 new sets of sails.
Keep an eye out on the water in the afternoons to see the boats and their youthful crews, with white new sails, practicing. This season the team will be hosting a 2-day high school regatta May 28-29 and a summer youth regatta August 6-7; both are being held at the NWMC.