Some may not realize that Kingston Ontario is often referred to as the “freshwater sailing capital of the world.” This obviously was a key pro for Queen’s when I was evaluating where I would pursue my post secondary education.
Queen's University Sailing Team promo stickers handed out at CORK. Brilliant!
I have joined the Queen’s sailing team. I am one of 20 or so rookies on a team of 50. We compete mostly whitesail 420s and keelboats. We have a plethora of training opportunities and I attend 3 times a week at Kingston Yacht Club in 420s. A number of people I have grown up sailing against are also on the team, including past and present Ontario Sailing Team members such as Alek, Clara, James, and Matti.
My first regatta came a few weekends ago at the Can/Am Cup hosted by Queens. I was a part of the Gaels 2 team comprised of rookies. I skippered the A-fleet boat with Georgia Stein as crew. We sailed extremely well together, winning 3/6 races on the first day. An OCS on the second day with the different rule set meaning no drops pushed us down to 3rd place in A-fleet and overall when combined with our 4th placed b-fleet teammates. Overall Queen's finished in 1st and 3rd.
Sailing the double handed 420 with fellow rookie Georgia.
PHOTO CREDIT: Aaron Bailey with Studio Q
I’m really excited to be a part of this group and look forward to future events with the team. Hopefully next year we can increase our presence in the US collegiate sailing scene.
Keep up to date with the Queen's Sailing Team at gogaelsgo.com or on Facebook
ON WATER PHOTO CREDITS: Aaron Bailey for Studio Q