HONOLULU - Stanford claimed its fourth conference title of the season, sweeping all the PCCSC Championship events by taking first in the Open Fleet Race this weekend. The Cardinal also competed in the Admirals Cup, finishing seventh overall out of the field of 18 teams.
In Hawaii, Stanford was on the front foot from the jump, taking first place in six of the first seven A division races and nine of 14 in total. In the B division, the Cardinal added five more wins in 14 total races, never finishing below fourth place.
Stanford had the best score in both the A and B divisions, coming in at 24 points in A and 27 in B.
"It is great to win all the conference championships this spring and last fall, to go 6-0 at championships in the conference is no small feat," said head sailing coach Chris Klevan. "Such success is a testament to the leadership we have on this team currently, further cemented by this group of seniors sailing in Hawaii last weekend."
Michelle Lahrkamp and Patricia Gerli represented Stanford in the A division while Justin Lim, AnaClare Sole, and Abigail Tindall took control of the B division. By winning the conference title, Stanford earns an automatic berth to the ICSA Open Fleet Race Championship next month.
"It is inspiring to think about all this class has accomplished amid unprecedented obstacles," added Klevan. "They have made it clear that, as a group, they can excel beyond their immense individual talents. Each of these five sailors have been a privilege to coach for four years. I know I am better for it."
Meanwhile, in Kings Point at the Admirals Cup, Stanford finished in seventh place among a strong field of 18 teams. Stanford took two victories, coming in races nine and 10 in the B division.
"This group of youngsters has a long road ahead to reach their goals," said Klevan. "However, I cannot think of a better group of people with whom I'd rather spend the next three years. Four of the six members of the class of 2026 competed at what was an extremely tough event held at this year's nationals venue - the Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, NY."
The Cardinal's B division boat finished fifth overall with a score of 68 points, only three behind Harvard in fourth place. Ellie Harned and Vanessa Lahrkamp managed the B division racing while Chapman Petersen and Gwendolyn Donahue competed in the A division with Jack Baldwin serving as a reserve.
"They competed hard and showed flashes of brilliance," explained Klevan. "The group of rookies, plus junior Gwendolyn Donahue, has what it takes to win at the highest level of this sport if they decide to dedicate the next three years to that task. I believe the future here is extremely bright based on the trust I already have in working with this class."
Stanford returns to action with the first of four national championship regattas taking place at home next weekend. After hosting the Women's Team Race National Championship, Stanford will head to Kings Point again for the remaining three national events later in May.
