The Monmouth University club sailing team hosted its annual home competition, the John Quinn Regatta, at the Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club, on Saturday, Sept. 17.
“This regatta is held annually in memory of John Quinn, who was a longtime supporter of the Monmouth University Sailing Team and a past commodore of the Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club. John would certainly have been very excited to see the 11 teams in attendance today,” wrote Jack Swikart, former University of Pennsylvania (‘15), sailor, and former student president of the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA) conference.
Visiting teams included Webb Institute, Princeton University, George Washington University, and several other schools who traveled to Oceanport to compete in Monmouth University’s regatta.
“The Monmouth sailing team did very well in both divisions,” said head coach Amanda Nuse, a Monmouth sailing alumnus. “The A-division scored slightly higher than the B-division, but both teams were faced with their own personal challenges out on the water.”
Webb Institute came in first place, followed by Princeton University and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Monmouth finished in eighth place overall.
“Our team definitely needs to work on starts and approaching the line in a timelier manner, along with a better analysis of puffs and lulls on the river to get the most lift. Our team did well with communication and finishing stronger than their starts,” explained Nuse.
“Our home regatta was the first regatta I participated in since joining the team and I do not think it could have gone any better,” said Patrick Cashin, A-division skipper. “I think it was run very well by the race committee and the turnout from the other schools was great. For years I had sailed just for fun, but I really do enjoy the competition.”
“Monmouth did the best we could,” added Isabella Hughes, A-division crew. “Everyone tried their hardest and it showed.”
The Monmouth sailing team will be traveling to Bristol, Pennsylvania to the Anchor Yacht Club to compete in the Princeton Fall Open on Sept. 24 and 25. The team’s last regatta of the fall season is the Washington College Fall Open at the Hodson Boathouse in Chestertown, Maryland on Oct. 15 and 16.
The University sailing team is open to any student interested in joining, regardless of experience on the water. “No experience is necessary at all,” said Nuse. “We will teach you everything you need to know.”
“We practice three to four times a week at the Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club. I try to work around everyone’s class schedules to schedule practices that most of the sailors can attend each week,” Nuse continued.
Although the team travels to several regattas throughout the semester, members are not required to compete – they are able to participate in practices and withhold from competitions if desired.
“Students should get involved because sailing is unlike any other sport at Monmouth. The team is incredibly inviting and you don’t need any experience to start. I can’t believe more people don’t join,” said Cashin.
“It’s the best way to make the most of your coastal university and a great way to meet new people,” added Sarah Ward, B-division skipper.
The sailing team will be hosting a “Learn to Sail” event on Friday, Sept. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. Prospective members will learn how to sail from current team members and will get the opportunity to sail a boat themselves. Students interested in attending should contact head coach Amanda Nuse by emailing anuse@monmouth.edu.
