I would like to start this letter by thanking the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation for supporting my experiences at the C420 US Nationals Championship, CJ Buckley, C420 South Shore Championships and C420 North Americans regattas this summer.

I am so grateful that I was able to sail three regattas this summer, C420 North Americans, CJ Buckley Youth National Team Racing and C420 National Championship. I experienced fun and exciting challenges throughout each regatta.

North Americans in Redwood City, California was a tough but fun regatta. Conditions were extreme, with 20-25 knot winds. We were one of the lightest teams in the top 10. The wind helped push my skipper and I to the next level making us use all our strength. We finished in 8th out of 106 boats.

My crew Isabella Clark and I placed 20th/105 boats at this event. Out of the 4 race days and 2 practice days there was only 2 races completed in less than 18kts some days even racing in consistent 22kts plus. It was very challenging due to the very strong winds and super strong current on very log courses. The big wind and current caused the waves to be gnarly and
made it difficult to find the next mark. 

On July 27th, Garrett and I arrived in Torbole, Lake Garda for the International 14 World Championships. After several years in the pointy end of the US fleet, we had high hopes for good results. A combination of weight loss from travel sickness, boat breakdowns and slow upwind speed in breeze disappointed these hopes, but my takeaways from this event, I’ve come to see, are far more valuable to my growth as a sailor than another trophy.

After spending many years on the Olympic sailing circuit, the I14 boat park at the Worlds was a bit of a culture shock. Everyone wants to be your friend. While there is a healthy competition, particularly at the front end of the fleet, the majority of the competitors are simply happy to be there. No one’s ego or self worth seems all that attached to their scoreline. They love their boats, they are excited to exchange knowledge and see what other countries might be developing differently, they’re happy to see old friends and welcome newcomers.

This summer I competed in my second Jr. Sabot Nationals at SDYC. This was the first time that SDYC has hosted the regatta since the 50's due to the tricky venue. La Playa was one of the hardest and windiest places that I have yet to sail. I'm so proud of myself that I only capsized once, and that was on our practice day. Due to the strong wind I spent a majority of the regatta sitting on the rail and hiking out. By the end of Jr. Sabot Nationals I had fallen in love with heavy wind and wish Newport had more of it. I was close to reaching my goal of top 5 in the Iron fleet but ended up in 7th, I'm still proud of myself. Thank you NHSF for supporting me in my sailing adventures. I love that I get to travel and sail with my big brother Piercen. 

This Summer SDYC hosted Junior Sabot Nationals in which I had the honor to compete in. This was my fourth Jr. Sabot Nationals and one for the memory book! I received the surprise of a lifetime when Charlie Buckingham asked me to sail his sabot 7938 for the event. Having my team, coaches, family and Charlie cheering me was awesome. My goal was to place top ten in the gold fleet, unfortunately I missed my goal by ONE point! I guess it's true when your coaches tell you that every point matters! I look forward to competing in numerous regattas this year and want to thank the NHSF for your support as I pursue my passion and follow my dreams.