The Triangle

Issue date: 5/14/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Sarah Michelson Sophomore skipper Jason Sinclair and sophomore crew member Steve Ciccariello attempt to sail past their competitors at the Drexel Open Regatta May 7-8 at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia. Due to severe weather conditions, the regatta ended early.

The Drexel club sailing team hosted the Drexel Open Regatta May 7-8 at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia. Seven teams participated, including American University, Monmouth University, the University of Delaware, Webb Institute, Ocean County College and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The races began Saturday morning with Drexel skipper Jason Sinclair and crew member Steve Ciccariello competing for the A division and skipper Dave Schubert and crew member Natalie Launchi sailing in the B division. After only eight races between the two divisions, wind conditions became hazardous to the sailors and the races were halted.

Sunday morning conditions were no better as the strong winds made it difficult to anchor the committee boat and the regatta was ended. With the races unable to be completed, Drexel found itself in fourth place, just two points behind Delaware. American won the regatta, with Monmouth trailing closely behind.

Drexel also sailed in the 2-versus-2 Team Regatta, hosted by the University of Maryland, which was also held on May 7-8. Saturday began with beautiful weather as Drexel skipper Trevor Nederlof with crew Erin MacCausland, and skipper Andrew Bergan with crew Kelsey Gibbons won their first team race versus Christopher Newport. This was followed by a loss to Ocean County and a win against RIT.

Heavy winds of over 25 mph caused the remainder of the regatta to be postponed until Sunday, where Drexel began with a tough loss to Webb Institute. The Dragons came back with three consecutive wins against Salisbury, UNB and Maryland to finish the regatta in third, their highest placement this season in a team racing event. Webb went undefeated to win the regatta and Ocean County placed second.

Drexel is a member of the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association that is comprised of both varsity and club teams across the east coast. The team owns and sails a fleet of eight Flying Juniors, which can hold up to two sailors each.

The Dragons are coached by Ronalyn Sisson, who has been with the team since 2009. Practices and regattas are held in both the fall and spring, with conditioning taking place during the off-season.

As the season comes to a close, the Dragons have a lot to be proud of. For the first time in Drexel sailing history, its women's division has been ranked ninth by MAISA.

"Sailing is a lifetime team sport which teaches teamwork, discipline, and self confidence," Sisson said. "Drexel sailing club is full of great student athletes and we look forward to more successes is 2010-2011."

The Drexel sailing team will participate in the Engineer's Cup May 15-16, its final regatta of the season, which will be hosted by the 2-versus-2 Team Regatta winner Webb Institue.

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