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?
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.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.