JU Sailing turns in strong performance at last qualifier at Eckerd College

 

By Jon Faudree/Head Sailing Coach

Fresh off its highest regular-season ranking, the Jacksonville University Sailing Team traveled to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg Saturday, Oct. 19, where 14 teams competed for the last qualifying regatta for the SAISA (South Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association) Championships Nov. 2-3 in Charleston, S.C. (See a photo gallery of the team in action on a recent day below.)

JU had already qualified as of last week, securing a third overall spot in the Southern Division behind Eckerd and USF. There was no pressure of qualifying, and the team sailed brilliantly in the light and shifty breeze.

JU sailed two teams starting eight freshmen for the weekend. Team 1 A Division included Danny Lawless and Mara Stroble Lanka, who steadily improved their results over the seven-race series, taking the overall lead by winning the final two races. Ian Ikeda sailing with Hannah Knighton had a very consistent day, finishing B division in second overall. The combined scores gave the team a second for the regatta, just three points out of first.

JU’s second team ended the day sixth. They were led by the B Division team of Peter Hidley and Anna Palmer, who won one race and had two seconds. Alex Steo and Victoria Caba turned in a solid performance with great starts but suffered in the light air, being the heaviest boat on the water for the day.

It was probably the best the team has sailed this year. We still have a lot to work on going forward, but it also seems that the team is about to peak at the right part of the season.

This weekend the team travels to Austin, Texas, for the Hammond Trophy and our first big inter-conference regatta.

Click here for last weekend’s results at Eckerd.

 

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