Sailing team reflects on another strong season
The club team looks to keep growing and learning for spring season
The club sailing team is not heard about often. Still, the 30 members say that the team holds a significant place in their life.
On Jan. 5, New Trier’s Sailing Team competed in the annual Rose Bowl Regatta held at the University of Southern California in Long Beach, California.
Flying off to the West Coast meant their competition was about to get a lot more intense than what they are usually up against.
Senior Ted Lutton is one of the two varsity captains who said the warm weather in California gave the team a disadvantage as they can’t practice during the coldmonths.
“We didn’t do that well because all the Californians get to sail the whole year and are sailing against each other and sailing on the water there. But it was good to be able to go to California in January,” said Lutton.
Unlike any other sport, sailing requires its participants to be aware of their ever-changing court. The sailors adapt to whatever wind and weather there is.
Many sailors, like senior Sammy Stoeber, love sailing for the freedom and excitement that she feels on the water, especially in times when the conditions are thrilling.
“There are days when we go out there when nobody would think that it would be safe, and it’s probably not, but you have to be strong and brave and you have to trust yourself,” said Stoeber. “I just think that for me it is all about the experience and I just love it so much and I’m just happy to be there,” said Stoeber.
Even on days when the wind is ruthless and the rain is torrential, the conditions don’t prevent the team getting out on the water. Their sport is learning how to navigate the waters despite the waves, wind, or weather.
“It’s unique in that you’re playing the same sport but your mindset is different. The hockey rink isn’t moving around like that. Your court is always changing so you have to keep your head in the game,” said Lutton.
This past fall season, the team was fairly pleased with their performance.
“I think recently, especially in this last fall season our team has excelled. There was less disappointment and a lot of joy and celebration because we really kickedbutt in our fall season and we were able to go to some really great events that we were able to qualify for.”
Sailing is a sport of constant growth and learning. The team likes to take advantage of this.
“Our youngest sailors are learning how to race and learning the ropes and learning how to work with other people,” said Lutton. “And our seniors are nine times out of ten the best people on the team because most people on sailing don’t have prior sailboat racing experience,” he said.
Many of the sailors, like senior Anna Mcbride have grown a connection to the sport of sailing and see it as having a part in their future.
“It’s such a lifelong sport, like you can sail when you’re in a wheelchair and just sit there, so I think I will keep it in my life forever.”
