Stanford wins Women’s Nationals

Kings Point, NY (May 26, 2023) – Stanford entered the final day of the College Women’s National Championship with a 27 point lead over Yale, but a lack of wind canceled racing today, awarding the Cardinal team the 2023 title. Thirty-six team competed in the semi-final stage on May 23-24, with the top 18 advancing to the Finals on May 25-26. Ten sets were completed yesterday, with Boston College finishing third, 15 points behind Yale.

Results for Final: https://scores.collegesailing.org/s23/sailing-women-national/
Livestream: https://icsa.live/

Report from ICSA:
Stanford University won the College Sailing Women’s National Championship hosted by United States Merchant Marine Academy after one day of racing due to weather. Yale University took second place, 27 points behind Stanford, and Boston College rounded out the podium 15 points behind Yale.

“We came so close and just missed it last year,” said Abigail Tindall, a senior crew for Stanford, through tears. “Then we just missed it again this year at the Women’s Team Race Championship. To get the win just feels amazing. I’m graduating, so this is a great moment after working so hard and proving ourselves here.”

A strong northerly breeze with choppy conditions kicked off day one. Unfortunately, as forecasted, the breeze dropped throughout the day. Sailors kept their heads out of the boat and on a swivel to anticipate the oscillations coming through Long Island Sound.

Race Committee was challenged with course adjustments and a postponement on shore but were able to get off ten races in both divisions after the delay. Stanford University, Yale University, and Boston College held 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively.

Long Island Sound did not show favorable conditions when the sailors and coaches arrived for day two. Competitors were held ashore all day under the AP flag, entertaining themselves with crocheting, team swims, and deciding on the ultimate pump-up song.

Race Committee finally called the day at 4:15 pm EDT. Because three races in each division constitute a regatta, Stanford University won College Sailing Women’s National Championship off their day one scores alone.

“Zack and I are really proud of the team,” said Bill Healy, Associate Head Coach of Yale. “We all obviously wished that we could have sailed today but it wasn’t meant to be. Stanford sailed great and they earned it in the incredibly tight racing yesterday. USMMA has done an incredible job and Amanda Clark’s team was amazing keeping up with the changing conditions.”

When asked about her older sister and A Division skipper counterpart on the Stanford team, Vanessa Lahrkamp said “I am a little overwhelmed but very lucky. I may have one sister, but I have so many sisters on the team and I’m so grateful to have them. I want to be just like my sister.” Vanessa won B Division by 30 points with crews Abigail Tindall ‘23 and Grace Austin ‘24.

After interviews, the Stanford lady sailors took to the College Sailing tradition of jumping off the dock to celebrate their win.

Tomorrow kicks off the Open Team Race National Championship.

National Championship Schedule:
April 29-30, Women’s Team Race – Stanford, CA
May 23-26, Women’s Fleet Race – Kings Point, NY
May 27-29, Open Team Race – Kings Point, NY
May 30-June 2, Open Fleet Race – Kings Point, NY