The Penn Sailing Team traveled to Tom’s River Yacht Club in Tom’s River, NJ this, weekend to compete in their first double-handed, In-Conference Championship. The, Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association’s Central Fall #1 regatta was hosted by Ocean County College on September 17th and 18th 2011. Sixteen colleges competed at Tom’s River this weekend in Tech Dingys and 420s. “A” fleet started the regatta off in the Tech Dingy while “B” fleet spent the first half in 420s. Penn Junior Mike Russom won “A” fleet with Ali, Zablocki and Kelsi Schoenrock. Freshman Jack Swikart showed great promise sailing to fourth, place in “B” fleet with Christina Johns and Marina Reppucci sailing crew.

The Penn sailors showed their versatility by placing second place overall despite a shifty, 5-15 knot breeze. On Sunday the wind filled to 20kts and 20 degree shifts. They finished behind Navy by only 2 points and, secured a berth at the 2011 War Memorial at the US Naval Academy on October 29-30th. The War Memorial Trophy is the MAISA Championship. The top 8 teams qualify for Atlantic Coast Championships.

For detailed results, please visit http://scores.collegesailing.info/f11/maisa-central-qualifier/

This week the team is setting their focus on the St. Mary’s Intersectional at St. Mary’s, College of Maryland. The scores at St. Mary’s will establish the Penn national ranking.