CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Eckerd sailing team competed at the SAISA Open Top 9 over the weekend, placing fourth among the top nine teams and securing a spot at the Atlantic Coast Championship qualifier.
On Saturday, light winds limited racing early in the day. The Tritons competed off Crab Bank, completing one race before the wind died and sailors were sent ashore for an hour-long break.
Racing resumed after the wind and current picked up, allowing six additional races to be completed before an incoming storm ended competition for the day.
Eckerd closed Saturday in third place with 106 points, just 11 points behind second. Jordan Vieria and Avery Guck finished the opening day ninth overall with 66 points, while PJ Rodrigues and Will Alvarado sat second with 40 points, nine points behind the leaders.
The Tritons returned to the water Sunday with the course positioned near the Yorktown. Shifting currents played a significant role throughout the day, particularly near the channel, while winds began at 5-7 knots out of the north.
With the regatta capped at 14 races, the remaining seven races were completed Sunday as winds steadily increased to 12-14 knots.
Eckerd finished fourth overall with 238 points, earning a spot at the Atlantic Coast Championship qualifier.
Vieira and Guck totaled 135 points, finishing 11th overall and seventh in the A Division. Rodrigues and Alvarado recorded 103 points, placing fifth overall while winning the B Division.
The Tritons return to action September 26-27 when they host the SAISA Open Top 6 Invite.
