College sailing is made as simple as possible by design. Host schools provide all of the necessary equipment except for personal gear such as life jackets, boots, and spray suits. All the collegiate sailor has to do is show up.
Note: this means the perfect college sailor can hop onto any boat and make it go. One weekend you might sail in a 420 at Navy and the next weekend you might sail in a Flying Junior at Connecticut College.
Varsity - The varsity regattas are called "major intersectionals" because they include colleges from each of the national districts. The size of the events range from 10-20 schools depending on the host schools facilities. These regattas have the highest level of skill and competition and are open to any college sailor regardless of sex or class. Intersectionals are always for trophies and major prestige. The results in this circuit alone are what make up the national rankings.
Minor Varsity These regattas are held solely within the local district and are restricted to competitor teams from within that district. Competition can still be at a very high level as team's 3rd and 4th skippers/crews sail at these events.
Women's These regattas are open to only women. There are both local and major intersectional women's events. Also the women have their own national rankings.
Freshman any frosch sailor. That is, anyone who is in their- first year of college.
Keel boats This far smaller circuit is held in "Big Boats". "Big boat" events involve boats other than centerboard dinghies. (Some collegiate regattas use J-22's, J-24's, Shields, E-22's, Luders e
WHAT IS THE GREATEST BENEFIT OF COLLEGE SAILING?
"Discipline, goal seeking, and many good friends and memories." Donna Kuhl (ODU '91)
"I've learned how to pull through problems with someone else (my skipper)." Faith Bushnaq (Yale '90)
It has made me grow up on the race course." Terry Hutchinson (ODU)
OTHER COMMENTS:
"Pure sailing does not get any better than this. No entry fees, no trailering, equal equipment, great races, and the best sailors in the world. What else could you ask for? Best training I've ever had" - Mike Zani (Brown'92)
College sailing is so fulfilling because we get to see new parts of the country, meet tons of people, see other campuses, and sail. I've learned a lot. One things for sure: 'Winning isn't everything.' As long as we try and don't do anything we regret. I really couldn't see going through college any other way, and after college there's no way to stop. But the friends you make is the best part." Amy Whelan (Michigan State '92)
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