Let’s Set Sail: The “Sea”son is here!

Photo courtesy of Hailey Pemberton ’23

It is February in New London, which means one thing is for certain– the Connecticut College Varsity Sailing team will shortly begin its long-awaited spring season! There is no time like the present to be a member or supporter of Camel sailing. This past fall, the remarkable re-designing of the College’s waterfront came together before the team’s eyes. This project, which now includes three docks, is highlighted by our very own sailing “Z Dock.” It holds both fleets of standard ICSA one-design sailboats, Z420s, and FJ’s. These are double-handed boats, approximately fourteen feet in length, and are the most commonly utilized dinghy sailboat at the high school and college levels. The dock system, similar to that of most other college sailing counterparts, allows for increased efficiency in running practices and regattas. Let’s look ahead to this season: What exactly is at stake? 

Like everyone on campus, the sailing team has been affected by the fallout of Dean King’s resignation and the wave of student activism that followed. The team hasn’t met as a full group to discuss it, but has instead had many formal and informal discussions about Dean King’s resignation. Many team members attended the student-led protest on the evening after the news broke. Head Coach Jeff Bresnahan reached out to the team via email shortly after the news to make himself available for individual or small group meetings with anyone who felt that they wanted.

Coach Jeff Bresnahan, in his thirty-first year at the program’s helm, along with assistant Coach Emilie Blinderman, in her eighth year, have enthusiastically awaited this time of year. Both have had a busy offseason between conference calls, scheduling events, planning practices, meeting with players, recruiting, and more. I sat down with Coach Bresnahan earlier this month to hear some of his thoughts surrounding this season. He remarked, “We are collectively poised to do good things, and ultimately, individuals need to assume their roles and perform when they are called upon.” Many team members have gained valuable experience from sailing on College Sailing’s biggest stages. This season is no different and the team looks to peak at season’s end, come College Sailing Nationals at the US Merchant Marine Academy.

This year’s team is different from those of years past; it includes twelve seniors, many of whom are “fifth-year” seniors. It was a common theme within College Sailing for athletes to take a semester or two hiatus during the 2020-2021 academic year. It was an astounding effort that the College Sailing body was able to host a national championship at that year’s end. The sport is thankful to have fully returned to pre-COVID ways.

The team has been fortunate to take annual spring break training trips. The past three years spring break training camps were held at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. Instead of Florida, this year the team will be heading to southern Maryland to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Camel sailors last trained there in March of 2018. The coaches and sailors alike look forward to this unique time of year, one where the academics are paused and training and team bonding is prioritized. From the 10th-17th of March, the team will be joined alongside training partners Harvard and St. Mary’s. Coach Bresnahan continually expressed his excitement for this week: “these three teams all have very similar players, and I think everyone will get along very well.” It is always beneficial to hone skills training alongside other teams; all have particular strengths. These three programs have consistently placed in the top 20 of the Sailing World Magazine College Sailing national rankings. Harvard is currently ranked first and sixth on the co-ed and women’s national rankings, respectively. It will no doubt be an invaluable experience to practice side-by-side some of the nation’s best!

The Camel Sailing Spring 2023 season will culminate at the annual College Sailing National Championships; held this year at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.  “Given our roster of experienced seniors, and having made it to two coed finals with this group, we are looking to make a strong run and sail at our highest level,” said Coach Bresnahan. This eleven-day Championship is broken down into three separate Championships: Women’s Fleet Race (May 23-26), Team Race (May 27-29), and Co-ed Fleet Race (May 30-June 2). Friends, family, and fans are cordially welcome to come support; it is the last collegiate event ever for the senior class. Kings Point is less than an hour’s drive from NYC, we hope to see you there!

Below you can find a list of this spring’s home events. A full list of regattas may be found on the camel athletics website: https://camelathletics.com/sports/sailing/schedule. The team would love to see your support and have you come down to the newly renovated waterfront. A barbeque cookout occurs at all home events. As always, GO CAMELS!

Thames River Team Race (Co-ed): March 4-5

Southern New England Team Race (Co-ed): March 18-19

Emily Wick Trophy (Women): April 8-9

Thompson Trophy (Co-ed): April 15-16

Co-ed New England Dinghy Championships (Co-ed): April 29-30