Start 2 at the Island Cup. High School sailing is taking off on the Salish Sea. Photo by Shawn Thomas
Coach Erik Coburn reports on the Sailing Team’s most recent regatta.
Port Townsend High School Sailing Team (PTHSST) extended their regatta winning streak to three at the Island Cup hosted by Friday Harbor High School Sailing Team at Roche Harbor Resort. This regatta was the most highly-attended regatta in PNW High School sailing history, with 28 teams and over 180 kids in attendance.
The Port Townsend team sailed to the regatta in Port Townsend style aboard the PT-berthed Schooner ALCYONE. Captains John “Sugar” Flanagan and Leslie McNish have made this a tradition for the PT Team – its a great bonding experience for the kids. ALCYONE also became the main hangout spot for the regatta, with prime spectating right from her deck and aloft. She also provided cozy, quiet sleeping arrangements for the team on Saturday night.
Watching the action at the Island Cup from the deck of the ALCYONE. Photo by Erik Coburn
The regatta was sailed over two days in classic PNW springtime weather, with sun, wind and precipitation varying widely all weekend. PTHSST fielded two teams posting finishes of first and eighth of 28 teams. PT1A (E.Dawson/Ginther) and PT1B (Flanagan/C.Dawson) sailed consistently enough to win overall despite tough competition. PT2A (Kowalski/Village) and PT2B (Shogren/Westerlund) attained eighth out of 28. This is the first time the PT team has won the Island Cup!