HONOLULU - The University of Hawai`i sailing program got off to a strong start with three teams in the top five following the first day of the Rainbow Invitational at Keehi Lagoon. The UH Red team is in first place, opening a wide 24-point margin.

UH has four teams competing –three coed and one women’s—in the 12-team field. With light winds throughout the day the Invitational was able to get of 14 races with teams competing in two divisions.

The UH Red team with sailors Matthew Stine (A Division), Cassandra Harris (A), Scott DeCurtis (B) and Becky Marbardy (B) lead the regatta with a low of 31 points. The UH Green team is tied with Navy1 at 55 points in fourth place. The UH women’s team is fourth place with 65 points, while Navy2 rounds out the top five at 67 points. Also competing are California Maritime Academy, Oregon, Portland State, UC Santa Barbara and Western Washington.

The Rainbow Invitational concludes tomorrow with 10 races starting at 10 a.m., weather permitting.

-UH-