HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i sailing team delivered an overwhelming performance on home waters this weekend, placing all five fielded squads in the top five to sweep the inaugural Hawai'i Fleet Race Invite. The regatta was held March 28-29 at UH's home site in Ke'ehi Lagoon.
The Rainbow Sailors displayed their depth to shut out a visiting field that included teams from Arizona State, UC San Diego, and UNC Wilmington. 16 racing sets were completed throughout the weekend, with A and B divisions racing for each team.
The eight-team field was met with harsh winds on the first day that set the stage for aggressive, yet volatile racing. Many boats capsized, but 10 sets were able to be completed. Fortunately, conditions lightened up on Sunday and the last six races took place. The sun shone bright throughout the weekend.
Leading the charge was the Rainbow Green team, which claimed the overall crown with a regatta-low 148 points. The all-underclassmen squad trounced the competition, placing in the top three in 13 of their 20 races, winning two. William Bagley and Leila Landay represented the A division, while Christopher Daher skippered for Seaena Charlton and Lily Beckerman in the B division.
The Rainbows team secured the runner-up spot with 180 points, powered by an unmatched performance in the A division. The duo of Erik Anderson and Amanda Turner put on a masterclass, sweeping their first 11, and placing in the top three through 14 races. Spencer Fleming skippered for Jenna Englehart and TePua Ho in the B division, which placed second in a race.
The Rainbow Black team rounded out the podium in third place with 236 points. The squad was anchored by a steady A division performance from Everett McAvoy and Alister Muto, who placed in the top-five in 11 of their 16 races. Sam Bartlett and Olivia Merz sailed in the B division.
The Rainbow Wahine took fourth place with 243 points. The all-wahine lineup featured three different skippers in the A division, with Martha Schuessler and Stella Taherian skippering for Avery Hogue, and Elin Reigstad who split time between both positions. Elizabeth Fourney and Kahlia Bailey skippered for Peyton Lieser and Kylie Alexander in the B division.
Completing the top-five sweep was the Rainbow White team with 270 points. The team featured Arden Rathkopf and Ann Tokoyoda in the A division, and Zach Brennan and Erin Wilmore in the B division.
The weekend sweep will provide a massive boost of momentum for the 'Bows as they enter the championship season. The Rainbow Wahine will look to break through when they travel to Lake Whatcom, Wash., for the PCCSC Women's Fleet Race Championship on April 11-12. Meanwhile, the coed team will prepare for the PCCSC Team Race Championship in Redwood City, Calif., next weekend on April 4-5.
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