Women’s Sailing Team Excels at ICSA Fleet Race National Championship
ST. MARY’S, MD (May 23, 2025) – The Tufts University women’s sailing team showcased their tenacity and skill at the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) National Fleet Race Championship, finishing in a commendable 18th place out of a highly competitive field. The championship, which took place over four thrilling days, concluded with the finals on Friday.
A Race Against Time: Breakdown of Races
Over the course of 16 races in both A and B divisions, Tufts accumulated a total team score of 453—249 in A division and 204 in B division. Notably, the racing conditions on Friday proved optimal, enabling the completion of 13 races across both divisions, bringing excitement and energy to the finals.
B Division Shines with Strong Performances
The standout performers for Tufts were undoubtedly the B team, who delivered impressive finishes, clinching eighth place in the opening race of Friday and taking home fifth place in another. The B squad, helmed by first-year skipper Sophia Hubbard alongside junior crew member Lilly Ladd, achieved a 15th place finish in their division, contributing significantly to the team’s overall score.
A Division Strategy: A Collaborative Effort
In the A division, Tufts exhibited a strategic approach by rotating through three different skippers and a versatile crew. Senior sailors Maisie MacGillivray and Meredith Broadus, along with first-year talent Kiana Beachy, took to the helm, while the crew comprised Eloise Goedkoop, senior Annie De Alessi, and senior Nicole Morikawa. Notably, Beachy and De Alessi drove the team to their best A division finish, soaring to ninth place in the 10th race of the day.
Championship Summary: A Competitive Landscape
The fierce competition culminated in a dominant performance by Stanford University, which clinched the Women’s National Fleet Race Championship with an impressive total of 180 points—58 in A’s and 122 in B’s. This year’s championship not only highlighted the competitiveness of collegiate sailing but also underscored the growing prominence of women in this thrilling sport.
The Road Ahead
This championship wraps up the 2024-25 women’s sailing season for Tufts, but the excitement doesn’t stop there! The coed sailing team will be gearing up for the Open National Fleet Race Semifinals, set to begin on Tuesday. With a strong season behind them, all eyes will be on the Jumbos as they navigate through the next challenges ahead.
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In conclusion, the Tufts women’s sailing team’s journey at the ICSA National Fleet Race Championship serves as a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and skill. As they set their sights on the future, the Jumbos are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in collegiate sailing!
