Practice Day - USNA

After an early wake up call Friday and an 0825 hrs flight out of Midway, the team arrived in Baltimore and headed out to the Naval Academy. Rain, an overcast sky and winds 10-18 greeted the sailors as they took practice in both 420s and FJs.

Teams arrived throughout the day and all took to the water. Lake Forest, the other MISSA representative, was there as was Pointe Loma, Sage Hill and Corona Del Mar from California; Hotchkiss (CT), Milton and St Georges (RI), Norfolk Collegiate (VA) and many others. The sailors all appeared excited to be at NAVY. Practice was helpful for the NT sailors - it offered them the chance to sail in a boat (the FJ) that we just don't see in the Midwest and get a sense of the current in the river. Our sailors did well in practice and seem to be relaxed and ready for the competition.

The Robert Crown Sailing Center is the base for the regatta and the home of NAVY's intercollegiate and off-shore teams, the Intercollegiate Sailing Hall of Fame and the Interscholastic Sailing Association trophy case. It's great to see the history of high school and collegiate sailing right there. The racing area, the Severn River, is just off the docks in front of the Crown Center. Every so often, a YP boat goes by; this is one of NAVY's 40 foot Yard Patrol boats. These boats cruise the river and will make a trip to Charleston or New York for fleet week under the command of the Midshipmen. Yes, it's slightly disruptive for the kids and hopefully we won't see them tomorrow.

We have a 0645 hrs wake up call and will get to the venue early.

Check back in the morning for updates on the event.

DS