The Cornell sailing team will try to qualify for the Open Fleet Race Nationals when it competes at St. Mary’s in Maryland for the America Trophy, according to an announcement on Apr. 16.
The event is important because it serves as the MAISA open conference championship, and only the top two teams will earn automatic spots at nationals. This gives teams a chance to advance and compete on a national level.
Cornell recently secured a place at the women’s team racing nationals for the third year in a row after winning first place at the MAISA Women’s Team Racing Championship last weekend. Three sailors from Cornell received conference honors during this event. Senior Sophia Devling was named MAISA Women’s Sailor of the Year and was selected as a first-team all-conference pick along with junior Winborne Majette and sophomore Gilda Dondona.
At St. Mary’s, Cornell will be one of 18 teams competing for qualification and hopes to make its second consecutive appearance at nationals in Open sailing. Last year, Cornell achieved its best result ever by finishing second in a regatta hosted by the Big Red on Cayuga Lake.
Looking ahead, success at this weekend’s regatta would allow Cornell’s sailing program to continue building on recent achievements and represent their school again on a national stage.
