Sailing Just Misses Nationals

1996

Sports Statistics

Record: N/A

Coach: Mike Horn

Key Players: Seniors Brett Davis, Katy Hartwell and Ben Richardson; Juniors Dan Parkes and Molly Merril

1997

Nationals were just not meant to be.

After finishing fifth at the women's New England Championships, Radcliffe failed to qualify for next month's nationals in Portland. Only the top four finishers--which included Brown and Dartmouth--made it to sailing's version of the Big Dance.

Nonetheless, the Black and White did make things interesting when it sneaked by Boston College in the regatta's final race. Troublesome weather conditions including persistent northeast winds recorded at upwards of 20-30 miles per hour forced coach Mike Horn '63 to shift his line-ups in order to pull out the victory which secured the fifth place finish.

As a result of their efforts, junior A Division skipper Laura Stearns placed eighth on the list of "Top Ten New England Women's Skippers", while junior Jenny Heath ranked third on the list of "Top Five New England Women's Crews".

The co-eds will also have to wait another year for Nationals. Harvard failed to qualify for the tournament after a disappointing finish at the New England Team Racing Championships (NETRC) which were held in Dartmouth in the beginning of May. The co-eds amassed only 11 wins and five losses in the two-day event. Boston University and Tufts edged out Harvard and qualified for the nationals.

At the final intersectional before the NETRC, however, Harvard looked primed for a national run. The A Division duo of seniors Brett Davis and Katy Hartwell, along with junior Dan Parkes and Molly Merril in the B Division helped Harvard nab third place. In addition, senior Ben Richardson took care of the single-handed Laser Division while sophomore Brian Fox was the heavy air crew.

Beaten only be the Merchant Marines Academy and Tufts, the result was the best ever for Harvard at the event. Unfortunately, Harvard couldn't find the same success at the national qualifier.

Both Harvard and Radcliffe will have to wait until next year, but things definitely won't be the same as longtime coach and Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame member Horn will be stepping down from his post. Except for the 1989-90 season, Horn has been at the helm of Harvard sailing since 1965.