Orcas initiates sailing program for teens

A program for teen sailors kicked off Nov. 3 when 17 youngsters competed in the Joshua Slocum Single-handed sailing race in West Sound. Friday Harbor, Lopez and Poulsbo provided the competition. with teams from Orcas, Friday Harbor, Lopez, and Poulsbo participating.

Sponsorship of the Saturday regatta came from the Orcas Island Yacht Club, Orcas Junior Sailing Program, and the Orcas Island Sailing Foundation. Participants in the race, from the newly formed Orcas High School Sailing Club, were Sarah Averna, Nate Averna, Chase Cooper, Alan Smith and Meg Swanland. Coaches were Andy Saxe, John Silvester, Chris White, Savvy Sanders, Sr., and Chris Thomerson. The Friday Harbor High School Sailing Club, coached by Scott Boye, consists of Lisa Marsaudon, Alex Marsaudon, Kimberly Kennedy, Randy Holt, and Kate Olante. The Lopez Island High School Sailing Club, coached by Celia Snapp, has Josh Marshak and Brooke Brouwer.

The Poulsbo High School Sailing Club members took first, second and third in the competition. They were as follows: first, Bredan Fahey; second, Alex Jones; and third, Thomas Grout. Fahey placed fourth earlier this year at the National Interscholastic Racing Competition.

The regatta marks the beginning of a program of Interscholarshipc Sailing Association competition for the Orcas sailors. Beginning next March, Orcas will participate over a three-month period in races and regattas against schools from throughout Puget Sound.

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