April 16, 2009

Final Results

SAN FRANCISCO – The Cal State Monterey Bay sailing team competed in the Pacific Coast Championship Regatta on April 11-12.  The event was hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in the San Francisco Bay and was one of the most challenging sailing venues in the world with the strong wind, strong current and rough water.

In the A division, skipper #Brad Schoch# along with #Zach Haney# as his crew finished in eighth out of 11 competitors, ahead of UCLA, Cal State Channel Islands and Chapman University.

“This is the highest CSUMB has ever had a boat finish in the regatta,” said Otter head coach Frank Degnan. “Very exciting for the program, especially since this is Zach's first year of competitive sailing.” 

With light to moderate winds in the morning, the Otters used it to their advantage by finishing in sixth, seventh and eighth in the first three races.  As the day went on, the winds became stronger and made it more difficult for the Otters.  As a group, the CSUMB sailors are on the lighter side, therefore, teams with heavier crew members were able to handle the conditions better.

The B division featured veteran #Kellsy Panno# working with rookie skippers #Ashley Eberhard# and #Janet Rumsey# as well as rookie #Natalie Cardoso#.  Once again, the wind conditions posed a problem for the Otters. 

“I am proud of the fact that they went out for every race and were able to deal with the conditions,” Degnan said. “This is a very challenging venue and they were up for the challenge.

“The experience gives us a great foundation for next year.”

This was the final Co-ed regatta of the season. The team improved throughout the season after being pushed by Coach Degnan and continuously exhibited a strong effort.

The women's team will compete in an open championship next weekend in Santa Barbara for the final regatta of the season.