CNU Sailing

This was a year in which the team faced real adversity. So often we hear the coach of a professional team, faced with the loss of a key member say, “Everyone else will simply have to step up their game and make up the difference.” Our Spring 2008 team did exactly that. Matt recovered from the loss of two semesters in which he had afternoon classes. Max, expecting to be a skipper, became Kate’s crew and gave the task his very best effort. Taylor and Lynn continued to improve as a team. Scott, not really ready for competition, took the challenge and made the most of it, eventually posting several bullets. Becca, found an enthusiasm for the team and sailing that is making her a valuable crew and we expect she and Scott to be a pair in the Fall.

I will always think of this team as one with the best attitude and team spirit we have ever seen. With each and every one it was always “the team comes first.”

Matt and Kate, our graduating seniors, will both have a place on our Wall of Honor. Both will be remaining local and we expect them to continue in their support of the team. They are among our best ever.

In the course of the school year we visited Ohio State University, Queens University of Kingston Ontario, College of Charleston, Old Dominion University, Hampton University, Georgetown University, Webb Institute, U.S. Military Academy, Hobart/Wm Smith Colleges, University of Maryland, William & Mary, Ocean County College, St. Mary’s College, and Washington College.

We defeated teams from Maryland, Hampton, William & Mary, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Maryland – Baltimore County, Delaware, Princeton, Cornell, Villanova, Ocean County, Loyola, Monmouth, New York Maritime, George Washington, St. John’s, American University, Kings Point, Salisbury, Colgate, Fordham, Queen’s, Webb Institute, Syracuse, Rensselaer, Royal Military College, Rochester, Miami of Ohio, Iowa, Columbia, Drexel, South Florida, Army, Florida, Miami, North Carolina, N.C. State, Ohio University, Providence, Michigan, Michigan State, Owens, Ohio State, Wittenberg, Washington University, Denison, Bowling Green, John Carroll, Penn State, Kenyon, and Rutgers.

A final word of thanks go to those people who helped make the year what it was by sponsoring our events. Bill Saunders from Wachovia Securities of Hampton for the Icefree, Ruth McClintock and the Greater Richmond Sailing Association for the CNU Clinic, and Eddie Hornick of Virginia Road and Bridge Supply for the Grant.

Of course Jim White, our assistant coach, CJ Woollum, our Athletic Director, and the women of the department, Cindy Sutphin, Judy Stenzhorn, and Shanika Ellis are the solid support that keeps us going. Thanks to all.

This year, perhaps more than any other, has reaffirmed for me the value of what we have in the Christopher Newport Sailing Team.

The Spring 2008 Wrap PDF is available here.

— Dan Winters, Head Coach

Few institutions are more impressive than Webb Institute. Indeed, we were told that the main building, which is one of the most impressive mansions along the northern shore of Long Island, was used as Bruce Wayne’s mansion in one of the Batman movies. While Webb has been attending many of our regattas, this was the first time we have sailed in their annual Engineer’s Cup Regatta. Frankly, we couldn’t say enough about the hospitality, the facilities and the terrific time we had. Their boats were in great shape, we had grilled burgers for lunch, and they threw a party for all the teams on Saturday night. But it was the buildings and grounds that had us all in awe.

With fewer than 100 students, a very focused course of study (this is one of the premier naval architecture schools in the world) and facilities that have to be seen to be believed, this is quite an educational institution.

Our team consisted of one graduating senior, our two freshmen skippers and two solid crews. We expected to do well in this event and the coach was looking to win the A Division and do creditably in B Division. As it turned out, due some developing talent and, perhaps, some over confidence, we won B Division and did creditably well in A Division. Unhappily, for the third straight regatta we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the final race of the regatta and we placed second by one point!

IMAGE: Kate, Becca, Amy, Max and Scott

In many ways, this is the best sort of way to lose. We didn’t really lose the event in the last race because every member of the team made at least one mistake during the regatta that, if corrected, could have given us victory. By the same token, every member of the team could have done one thing better that would have made us a winner. So, all shared equally in the failure to win and in the success of placing second.

But this was a very successful event for us as Scott and Max, both freshmen, clearly showed that they are “putting it all together” with their strong finishes in B Division. The photo at the bottom of the page shows the impressive lead that Scott and Becca piled up on their way to a first place finish in the second B division race. There is no doubt that Max and Scott are going to figure prominently in plans for the Fall of 2008. Becca’s crew work has improved all season and Amy earned her award as the “Top Crew of 2008.”