Orcas Vikings Win Interscholastic Olympia Regatta

If you haven’t noticed, high school sailing is more than alive and well, it’s thriving! In this past weekend’s Olympia Regatta, Orcas Vikings 1 team won, with Lincoln High School of Portland 2nd and Bainbridge “Blue” 3rd. Results here. If anybody has a recap or some more photos they want to share, chime in in the comments section or email them to me and I’ll add them to this post.

Here’s the thing: There were 34 (!) teams, plus all the coaches, parents and, dare we say, spectators that turned up. These events are huge and healthy. Where were these when I was a kid in Illinois?

"Hurry up and wait!"
“Hurry up and wait!”

And while everyone wrings their hands about the declining racing participation, the solution may be right under our noses. Encourage and support these young people to hone their skills and keep having lots of fun and the salt water (or fresh) will run in their veins forever. Give them opportunities to join the crew of a big boat – and you might have a secret weapon on your hands.

Two Orcas crews working downwind - from the Facebook Page.
Two Orcas crews working downwind – from the Facebook Page.

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