THE WAY WE WERE, COLLEGE SAILING

Salve Regina and Brown University are hosting the intercollegiate sailing championships over almost three weeks. The women’s championships just finished. the Team racing has just started. I have always had a soft spot for team racing. College sailing remains one of my fondest memories.

I am struck by the contrast in outfits worn by the teams; demonstrated by the photos. I was surprised by the amount of gear for sail at the event. We had neither the money nor the inclination to dress alike.

 

INTERCOLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT FT. ADAMS
INTERCOLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT FT. ADAMS
FT. ADAMS 2015
FT. ADAMS 2015
URI SAILING 1970
URI SAILING 1970
N.E. CHAMPIONSHIPS 1970
N.E. CHAMPIONSHIPS 1970
COAST GUARD SAILING 1967
COAST GUARD SAILING 1967
TEAM RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015
TEAM RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015

IT’S NOT HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING


You have to be as clever and alert as any match race; no different than match racing all you have to do is be faster than the other boat. Team racing is about being clever, and good boat handling. Boat speed is always important, but it is not about being really fast. There are times you might want the race to last longer. And you are all sailing the same boat, you bring the skill not the gear.