NORFOLK, Va. – The University of Hawai'i women's sailing team completed its first day of competition at the 2018 ICSA Sperry Women's National Championship in 17th place in the Western Semifinals.
 
A total of 36 schools, divided into two 18-team regattas, took to the water in 4-6 knots which eventually built to 6-10 knots in the afternoon. By day's end, 14 races were completed with UH totaling 195 points. The highlight of the day came when UH placed first in the A division during the fifth round of races.
 
The semifinals conclude Wednesday with the top nine teams from each group advancing to the finals round – an 18-boat regatta, which will take place on the last two days of the championship, May 24-25. UH will have their work cut out for them as the Rainbow Wahine are currently 70 points off the pace of ninth-place Georgetown.
 
Sailing for the Rainbow Wahine are be Danielle Ahir, Annika Garrett, Jessica Lawler, Megan Lucas, Caitlin Schadt and Megan Zamzow. UH, making their 18th appearance in the women's nationals, is seeking to advance past the semifinals for the first time since 2012.