The Boothbay Region High School sailing team raced in the Breakwater Blast Regatta at The Apprentice Shop/Rockland Community Sailing Sunday, May 1. Six sailors from the Boothbay Region Sailing Club (BRSC) competed against 13 teams from Maine and Vermont.

BRSC sailors Ella Beauregard (CTL) and Gabby Boord (BRHS) sailed solidly most of the day until the last flight when two starts and an equipment issue (centerboard) slowed them down. With finishes of (9,10,9,10,12,14) they had 64 points. Sailors Anna Sirois (Lincoln Academy) and Henry Currier (BRES) also struggled with starts in the competitive fleet but showed good downwind boat speed at times. They finished (10,9,9,13,14,14) for 69 points. The BRSC team finished 12th overall with a score of 133 points.

BRSC sailors Madison Allen (Lincoln Academy) and Hamilton Barclay sailed together for the first time while competing in a blended team with Searsport High School. With scores of (7,5,2,7,5,5) they struggled on two starts but showed good speed and mark-roundings. They took fourth among B Division boats on a tiebreaker with 31 points. Searsport finished 11th overall with 108 points. 

Tuesday's practice faced low visibility, little wind and snow. Spring like conditions returned Wednesday with great sailing in a 16-18 knot southerly. The team prepared for the fleet race in Rockland by conducting drills on improved speed, boat handling, and several practice races.   

This week the team prepares for its first Team Race at Rockland Saturday in the Hospice Regatta. Three boat teams vie for a low point total in races against other three boat teams. Teams switch boats in a round robin elimination format.  

BRSC is organized and financed by the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club and its Junior Program Foundation. The team is now in its fourth season racing in 420 class sailboats with two person crews.

Practices can be observed Tuesday through Friday from the embankment at the Maine Department of Marine Resources property in West Boothbay Harbor. Information on the program can be secured by calling the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club at 207-633-5750.