The UC San Diego sailing team traveled to Treasure Island in San Francisco this weekend, October 15th, to compete in UC Berkeley’s Stoney Burke regatta. Ranging from UC Irvine to the University of British Colombia, forty-two boats from eighteen different schools came to compete in varsity, women’s, and JV divisions. Neither day of the event had consistent wind conditions. A storm rolled through the area on Saturday, with a strange southerly breeze consistently ten knots but ranging up to and beyond twenty-five knots. Fortunately, the rain did not set in until after the racing ended so we were able to sail four races per division, but not without many capsizes and crashes! On Sunday, however, there was a persistent rain throughout the day and wind that ranged from five to twenty-five knots. Even with these inconsistent conditions, the race committee was able to finish three races per division. Congratulations to UC Santa Barbara for winning the varsity division and to USC for winning the JV division! UC San Diego had two boats in varsity, one of which competed in the women’s division as well. The women’s boat finished in 21st and the coed boat finished just behind in 22nd.
This year we are trying to expand and improve our women’s team. The team was fortunate enough to have acquired multiple experienced women sailors this year and last so we can compete at women’s events. Since the team is comprised of both experienced and less experienced sailors, it is very exciting to see the team do so well, especially in such harsh conditions. This regatta was the first of many women’s events this year and we are looking forward to improving and competing in them!
Natalie Hopper
UC San Diego Sailing
