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Southwestern To Host Regatta Sunday On Chautauqua Lake

Southwestern sophomores William Turner and Patrick Kelly race in Division B action in Christchurch, Va. Submitted photo

CHRISTCHURCH, Virginia — The Southwestern High School Sailing Team held its own competing against the very best of the mid-Atlantic teams over two days of sailing in the Mid-Atlantic Gold Championship last weekend.

The race, which allows teams to qualify for nationals, saw Southwestern’s Division A finish ninth while Division B finished 14th, giving Southwestern a final placement of 12th overall out of 18 other schools competing.

The team consisted of skippers Cameron Turner and Will Turner, and crewmembers Chase Stevenson, AJ Smith and Patrick Kelly. Both divisions had races as high as second place while competing against teams from New York and six other states.

On Saturday, winds were shifty and gusty coming off the shore, allowing for some flat water. Teams sailed both a fleet of FJs and 420s throughout the 8-hour day. On Sunday, the sailors were met with light and shifty wind, which picked up and became more stable as the day progressed.

“We have shown that we can compete with the best sailors,” said coach Hunter Farris. “However small mistakes in a great fleet of boats can become very difficult to overcome.”

Below, Southwestern eighth-graders Victoria Smith and Brooks Turcotte practice earlier this week in Celoron. Submitted photo

Southwestern continues to lead the pack in Western New York, and consistently surpasses teams from downstate as well. In order to compete in Christchurch, the team beat out other schools on March 24, taking the top of three qualifying spots.

The team, including eighth-graders Victoria Smith and Brooks Turcotte, continues to practice on Chautauqua Lake, despite the frigid temperatures and snowy conditions.

This Sunday, Southwestern team members will stay local, competing against teams from Buffalo and Rochester in their home regatta hosted by CLCSF off the Lakewood Beach. They will then travel to Annapolis, Maryland, to participate in the Baker Team Trials the weekend of April 28.

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