Westfield’s Meredith Lendt, left, Chautauqua Lake’s Gabe Logan, center, and Vivian Watson competed for Southwestern in the New York State High School Sailing Championships last Saturday in the Buffalo Harbor. Submitted photo

BUFFALO — Local sailors from Chautauqua Lake and and Westfield high schools competed under the Southwestern flag in the New York State High School Sailing Championships last Saturday in Buffalo Harbor. Nine teams competed in the event.

The day began with sunny skies and cool morning temperatures. Winds were light, but expected to get heavier. As the day progressed, however, winds continued to decrease until the day was abruptly ended by thunderstorms. A full set of six races for both A and B Division were successfully completed; 12 races in all.

Gabe Logan and Vivian Watson of Chautauqua Lake, with Meredith Lendt from Westfield sailed against competition from several different regions within the state. The local team, sailing under the Southwestern flag, ended up eighth overall. Canisius and Nardin Academy tied for first, with Canisius winning the tiebreaker.

“It is wonderful that we have other local high schools in our area stepping up to compete at the state level,” said Coach Hunter Farris. “This was the first event for several sailors at a higher level of competition. We look forward to their progression in future events.”

This was the end of the spring sailing season. Summer regattas continue for high school- and elementary-age sailors in both the local and national level. High school sailing will begin again for the fall season in September. CLCSF offers registration and coaching for all interested sailors in the local Chautauqua area to represent their high school in sailing.