Boats return to the dock after North Western Girls qualifiers / Dagny Krüger
For the second year in a row, our high school sailing team qualified for the national sailing race in San Diego. Hosted by the West Coast branch of high school sailing, this regatta featured teams from all over the United States. After years of rebuilding from no sailors to eleven, this was a significant achievement, and the team was excited to return to such an important event.
Only four berths were available at nationals this year for the teams in our district. To qualify, a team must be active (with at least four members from the same school) and rank in the top four at a qualifying regatta. This regatta also determined the teams’ rankings for the season. The Orcas team secured first place among active teams, marking their first win since the team’s revival.
The first day of the qualifying regatta began with little wind, with racing starting around 12:30 p.m. when conditions improved. Several races were held, and the second day brought stronger winds, though rain in the morning and shifting wind directions necessitated frequent course resets.
During the weekend, the team raced Flying Juniors, which require two sailors per boat, allowing for rotation among team members. This rotation provided necessary breaks and balanced any advantages between the boats.
At nationals, the same system applies, with no team sailing from their home venue. Most teams arrive a day early to familiarize themselves with the boats and the area. The day before the regatta, the bay is filled with boats preparing for the competition.
This year, with 29 boats competing, the Orcas girls’ team finished 13th at nationals and hopes to return next year.