ST. PETERSBURG – The Eckerd sailing team competed at the SAISA Open Top 6 Invite over the weekend, finishing fourth out of six teams.
On Saturday, the Tritons prepared for a full day of racing at the Doyle Sailing Center, but shifting winds created challenging conditions throughout the day. The breeze began at 4-6 knots out of the northwest before fluctuating between the northwest and east. After several attempts to begin racing, sailors were sent in for a lunch break due to the unstable conditions.
Racing resumed around 1 p.m. as the breeze strengthened to 5-9 knots out of the south. With steadier conditions, the fleet completed eight races before the wind faded again.
Eckerd finished fourth overall with 239 points.
In A Division, PJ Rodrigues and Will Alvarado placed fifth with 50 points, recording seven top-10 finishes. Jordan Vieira and Avery Guck finished sixth in B Division with 53 points and five top-10 finishes.
In C Division, Wesley Kaser and Lily Tracey competed in races one through six before Nic Dowling and Oaklee Burnham took over for races seven and eight. The group finished 18th with 136 points.
On Sunday, teams returned to the Doyle Sailing Center but remained on a wind hold throughout the morning. Racing was ultimately called off at noon due to unstable wind conditions.
Up next, the Tritons travel to the Charleston Fall Interconference on October 3-4.
