This past
weekend eight University of Michigan sailors headed out east to compete in the
annual Truxtun Umsted Regatta. Hosted in Annapolis by the Naval Academy, this
year’s Truxtun Umsted Regatta consisted of 14 colligate teams competing across four divisions. Skippers Alex Ramos and Ryan Seago along with crews Karinne
Smolenyak, Liz Wallace, and Zach Nerod sailed in the FJ and 420 divisions while
Captain Tom Etheridge, Taylor Bradford, and Hubbard Velie competed in the Laser
Full and Laser Radial divisions.
The races kicked off Saturday morning with
temperatures in the high 70’s but low winds hovering around 2-5 knots. With
multiple delays due to lack of wind all four divisions finished six races by the
end of the day. Sunday brought similar temperatures with higher winds between
10-15 knots and rougher seas in the Chesapeake. Eight more races were completed Sunday for a Regatta total of fourteen.
Overall the weekend was another great learning experience against extremely competitive teams, and all sailors were incredibly grateful for the warm, sunny weather that didn't require drysuits!
A huge thanks to the Ramoses and the Gowlands for hosting team members once again!
-Hubbard Velie, '17
