When most people think of sailing, they think of a peaceful and relaxing boat ride, but for the EGR Sailing Team, the sport is much more than that. This season has been about rebuilding the team and redeeming themselves. Kate MacKeigan ‘19 described the new team and season saying, “This season we had a very young team. It was a year to rebuild but we were still very successful. Past years it has been a boy heavy team and now our team is overflowing with girls.” Although the team has faced some new changes, they have been able to endure this season and make adjustments. Some may think that sailing is a relaxing and easy sport but as MacKeigan said, it is actually pretty intense.
“Most people wouldn’t expect this but it’s very competitive. Also each race is different. It’s mostly strategy so there is a lot you have to know.”
The team has been preparing for this season by practicing everyday and coming up with different tactics for each race.
“At practice we do many drills to work on certain tactics, but mostly we do practice races. The races help to prepare for actual scenarios.”
Lily Kate Rogers ‘19 is starting her first season of sailing this year. She described her experience saying, “This is my first year but from what it sounds like this season has been pretty successful and a learning experience for many people, myself included.” Rogers has been adjusting to this season and has been loving the sport and her teammates.
“Sailing is a great sport because you have to learn to control the situation the best you can.”
Rogers said they have been preparing for their next regatta by learning about the wind and how it will affect them.
“Nobody can control the wind but you can learn to trim your sails and make the best out of it. For most regattas, we have a good understanding of the wind will be like so we practice accordingly as well as practice starts a lot if there are going to be a lot of boats.”
As sailing comes to an end, the teammates hope to finish strong and wrap up with a successful regatta.