The Point Loma High School (PLHS) and the Cathedral Catholic High School Sailing Team’s have had an unbelievable year that has now been capped off by placing 1st and 2nd in the fleet racing National Championships. The Championships were held in Seattle Washington on Lake Union at the Center for Wooden Boats, where the teams raced in Vanguard 15 and FJ sailboats. The race committee ran 40 races between the 2 divisions that make up each team and managed the “seaplane traffic” to ensure a quality regatta. 225 teams work all year across the country to qualify for the 20 spots at the championship.
Both team’s success are a result of many contributing factors, but exceptional leadership is where it all starts. The Head Coach’s of each team are Steve Hunt (PLHS) and Brian Stanford (CCHS); the President’s of each team are Robin La Dow (PLHS) and Brad and Carrie Schluter (CCHS); and the Team Captains are Jake Reynolds (PLHS), Kyle Sutter (PLHS), Nevin Snow, and Bre Baldino (CCHS), who all set the tone for the special year. The teams are rich with good sailors that regularly recruit new team members that may not have a sailing background. The “Team” atmosphere is constantly emphasized and the groups are some of the biggest in the nation with 9-12 boat practices twice a week.
Both teams benefit from the San Diego Yacht Club’s World Class Sailing Center and FJ sailboats. The facility, environment and support that the teams enjoy is unmatched. Congratulations PLHS and CCHS for an unbelievable year!