The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School sailing team, ranked fifth in New England and the top public high school in the region, earned an invitation to compete this weekend in a regatta featuring the top eight high school sailing teams in the region. The winner earns the Mark Trophy.
The top two teams will advance to the national high school championships hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club May 22 to May 24.
The team will compete in two intense days of round robin team sailing competition. Unlike fleet racing, team sailing puts a premium on boat handling skills, consistency, and teamwork, with competitors trying to finish first, while blocking opponents using sailing rules of the road and seamanship.
It’s more like a sailing chess match than a contest of boat speed, said coach Andrew Burr.
“I’m very confident,” Mr. Burr said going into the weekend competition. “We’re perfectly capable of beating every team there, but you can’t have a bad race.”
The regional championship regatta will be hosted by the Barnstable High School, and sailed in Hyannis Harbor Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. Burr encouraged Islanders to support the sailing team at the two-day competition, which begins Saturday morning. He said the course will be set in the inner harbor, and the Hyannis waterfront will provide prime viewing locations for the races.
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