IOR (October 6th, 7th & 8th, 2023)

During the weekend of October 6, 7, and 8th, a team comprised of Jack Schweda (‘24, Helm), Nicole Giuliani (‘24, Main Trim), Cal Lutton (‘26, Primary Trim), Finn Tait (‘25, Secondary Trim), Ryan Tatelbaum (25’, Pit), Dylan Gorman (‘25, Floater), Iván Castañer (‘24, Mast), and Mary Daniels (‘24, Bow) traveled to Larchmont Yacht Club on Long Island Sound to participate in the 2023 Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta, hosted by Larchmont Yacht Club and the Storm Trysail Club. The team sailed in the J/109 fleet on the yacht TBD, provided by boat owner Julie O’Dowd. On arrival on Friday, the team reviewed their roles with safety officer Buttons Padin. Subsequently, the team took to the Sound to practice sail trim and boat handling. The team understood the importance of good technique and communication in the corners and focused on practicing that. The first day of racing presented absolutely no wind for most of the morning, condemning the entire fleet to sit in relentless rain until the breeze picked up. Pick up it did, with southeasterly solid winds presenting an exciting setting for the first race, of which the University of Wisconsin was a victory. Unfortunately, the wind kept building, and with sailor safety in mind, the Race Committee called off racing for the day. On the second day, we also saw strong winds on Long Island Sound, this time out of the West. Unfortunately, in the interest of safety, the Race Committee banned spinnakers for the entire day, condemning the team to use just the Jib and Main. This did not deter the team, which went undefeated despite the changed circumstances. The University of Wisconsin Badgers were proud to win the J/109 class and placed second overall, winning the Puff Trophy. Special thanks to Julie O’Dowd for providing her boat and Buttons Padin for his insight and wit throughout the weekend.