Challenging Conditions and Close Competition Marked a Thrilling Weekend of Racing
After two days of close competition in a tight fleet Ava Anderson, ‘27 of Tulane University and Nicholas Reeser ‘25 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are the 2023 Women’s and Open Singlehanded National Champions.
Athletes in both regattas were greeted Saturday on Lake Pontchartrain with overcast skies, 6-9 knots of breeze from the Northeast and a steady chop that had built overnight. The skill levels of the Women’s and Open fleets were readily apparent to coaches and spectators in the close results.
At the end of eight races both regattas were led by razor-thin margins. In the Women’s event, Sarah Young ‘25, Dartmouth University ended the day in first with 44 points, with Agija Elerte ‘26 of Jacksonville University and Tulane Freshman Ava Anderson tied for 2nd with 50 points.
In the Open fleet, Nicholas Reeser, 25’ U.S. Coast Guard Academy, ended the day in first with 45 points, with Tulane sailors Thad Lettsome ‘24, and Hamilton Barclay ‘27 following close behind with 50 and 53 points respectively.
“It was exciting racing. The fact that mere points separated the top half of the fields meant everyone had to be at their best at all times and it created some intense action,” said ICSA Executive Director, Reed Maltbie.
Conditions on Sunday set the stage for a showdown: 3-8 knots from the East Northeast and shifts over 30 degrees made it difficult for sailors to predict the next leg.
The Coast Guard Academy’s Reeser held his lead to win the Glen S. Foster Trophy with a gap of 11 points. Tulane University’s Barclay claimed second overall with a bullet in the final race and Lettsome finishing third overall.
In the end, the Women’s championship came down to the final race, with each of the top 3 boats in a winner-take-all position. After the wind dropped significantly during the first beat, Tulane’s Ava Anderson secured the Janet Lutz Trophy with a bullet in the final race.
“Everyone was physically and mentally switched on the entire two days. The goal is to always put the best possible field on the water and this weekend we saw exactly that. This is what college sailing is about- world class racing and epic fun.” Reed Maltbie.
“It’s a pretty proud day for the Wave. Three podium finishers is a great way to end this weekend,” said Tulane University Head Coach Charles Higgins. “But to come away with a national championship win at home in front of your entire team is an accomplishment that so few have an opportunity to appreciate.”
Janet Lutz Trophy–Women's Championship
1st: Ava Anderson ‘27 Tulane University
2nd: Katharine Doble ‘26 Brown University
3rd: Agija Elerte ‘26 Jacksonville University
Glen S. Foster Trophy–Open Championship
1st: Nicholas Reeser ‘25 U.S. Coast Guard Academy
2nd: Hamilton Barclay ‘27 Tulane University
3rd: Thad Lettsome ‘26 Tulane University
Thank you to Tulane University and their volunteers for hosting and to the Southern Yacht Club for opening their grounds to competitors while the completion of the new Community Sailing Center of New Orleans is underway.
Event Contacts:
Social Media: Reed Maltbie (ICSA)
Photography: Jemi Aguilar, Parker Waters, and Connor McGinnis (Tulane University)
Author: Delaney Brown (ICSA Communications Committee)
The ICSA sponsors and partners for the 2023 season are:
Zim, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer, Official Suppliers of College Sailing
Dermatone, Official Skin Care Sponsor and Supplier of College Sailing
Quantum Sail Design Group, Official sponsor of the "Quantum Women's College Sailor of the Year."
Marlow Ropes, Official Supplier of College Sailing
US Sailing
Photo Credits:
Jemi Aguilar | Parker Waters | Connor McGinnis