Throggs Neck, NY – Maritime College Sailing accomplished a huge goal this past weekend by finishing in one of the top four spots at the America’s Trophy, beating out perennial powerhouses such as Saint Mary’s College, Old Dominion University and the U.S. Naval Academy. The top four finish now earns the Privateers a spot to compete at the National Championship of College Sailing in Charleston, South Carolina during the weekend of May 31st – June 2nd.

 

On Saturday, conditions were moderate with a breeze of around 15 knots and relatively flat water. On Sunday, winds ranged from 15 to 25 knots with choppy seas. For the Privateers, freshman skipper Todd Hawkins (Ocean Gate, NJ/Monsignor Donovan) sailed the A-division with sophomores Jillian Decker (Nyack, NY/Nyack) and Mark Hammond (Seattle, WA/Roosevelt) while in the B-division, freshman skipper Dan Hesse (Bohemia, NY/Connetquot) sailed with freshman Danielle Gamache (Holland, MI/Holland) and junior Mark Bostick (Marcellus, N.Y./). A young and talented group that certainly make the future of this program look bright.

 

Head Coach Dan Pletsch had the following to say about his team’s performance this weekend, “I knew inside that we had a chance to qualify if we sailed our best, but I did not want to add any extra pressure. We had the only two freshmen skippers sailing in the event, and because of the importance of the regatta I didn’t know how they would respond. Assistant Coach, Heath Moldveen and I were amazed all weekend by the team’s composure and consistency throughout the whole event. We now will start training for Charleston where if we sail well, we can continue to continue to surprise many of our competitors.”

 

The Maritime Sailing program has seen a revitalization over the past two years that has given new hope of returning to the prominent stature that produced world renowned sailors like Gary Jobson. “Our recent success at the America’s Trophy regatta is exemplary of the progress that we have made over the past few years as a truly national waterfront. Both our waterfront director, Rob Crafa, sailing coach, Danny Pletsch, waterfront assistant Heath Moldveen and our student sailors have made our programs so much more competitive brining us to levels that our great tradition expects.”, stated Director of Athletics, Dr. William E. Martinov, Jr.

 

There were 18 teams competing in both an A and B division at the America’s Trophy which was hosted by Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA during the weekend of April 28th – April 30th. The teams that finish in the top four sports earn the chance to represent the Mid-Atlantic Conference at the National Championship of College Sailing. Also representing the Mid-Atlantic Conference at the National Championships will be Hobart, Georgetown and Kings Point.

 

- MARITIME -