Joysailing-0792 2The U.S. Junior Women’s Double Handed Championship for the Ida Lewis Trophy is a remarkable regatta that brings together sailing girls from coast to coast.  With the help of the BYC Maritime Sciences & Seamanship Foundation, I was able to compete for a total of five days, two of which were clinic days and the last three were dedicated to racing.

In this nation wide regatta, I was given the opportunity to skipper for my crew, Eliza Moody.  We had a blast throughout the regatta and during the clinic days.  Even though this regatta was held at BCYC in our hometown, I still was able to learn a lot about my own venue and how to adapt to the current and the chop.  Throughout this regatta I also met some great coaches and created some lasting bonds with them, which will serve me well throughout my sailing career.

When race day came, I felt very prepared and although the wind was shifty and unpredictable, I still managed to have fun even though I wasn’t doing too well.  One of my goals during Ida Lewis was to win the start of at least one day, and after three consecutive second row starts, I finally was able to nail my start.  This filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy and I was very proud of myself.

Although I was ranked in the bottom half of the fleet, this won’t stop me from trying again next year and the year after that because I believe that hard work will eventually pay off.  Thank you so much to all of my sponsors because without you, I would never have had the opportunity to test my skills as a skipper and meet all these amazing young women.