SEATTLE — The Port Angeles High School Sailing team recently wrapped a fifth-place finish at a two-day regatta hosted at Shilshole Marina by the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle.
With adverse weather in the forecast for Sunday’s second day, the event hosts started racing at 10:30 a.m. and continued to rotate sailors through an A and B fleet configuration through 5 p.m. to maximize the number of kids on the water.
“The regatta had good wind towards the end of the day Saturday and it got pretty exciting,” senior Elliott Dahlin said.
“My crew for the first two races, Fern Knobel, was great and performed well under pressure, allowing us to score a first-place finish. My crew for the last two races, Charlie Kasten, did super well for his very first regatta, allowing us to place in the upper-mid fleet each time.
“I really enjoyed the windy conditions because it makes for the most exhilarating conditions possible.”
Strong winds did cancel Sunday’s racing, so the sailors participated in a short coaching session, or chalk talk, with Corinthian Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program head coach Annie Sorensen.
Sorensen reviewed heavy weather boat handling specific to Flying Juniors.
Saturday’s strong performances earned the team a fifth-place finish.
“It was good to see the team was able toplace well working together and it was nice to be able to race without the pressure of trying to qualify,” junior Ozzy Minard said.
Founded in 2019, the Community Boating Program is a a nonprofit, whose mission is to provide access to boating opportunities to youth and adults on the Olympic Peninsula.
For more information, visit www.communityboatingprogram.org.
