NEW LONDON, Conn. – Though it is not yet obvious in the results, Massachusetts Maritime Academy Sailing is making quick improvements as the season progresses. Facing a tough lineup at the Staake Regatta this weekend, the Buccaneers finished sixth in a field with three NCAA Division I universities.

The Buccaneers drove to Conn College to compete on the Thames River. Saturday had a shifty northeast breeze ranging from 5-10 knots. The racing was close and competitive all day, with three round robins completed. The Bucs ended the day with a 0-15 record. Sunday was cold and windy, and racing started in snow showers and another northeast breeze, but this time in the 12-15 knots range. Another round robin was completed with a 0-5 mark.

"The Buccaneers ended the regatta without a win, but the record doesn't reflect the athletes' efforts," remarked Matt Wordell, Head Dinghy Sailing Coach. "They got better every race."

MMA was represented by skippers Braden Foster and Frank Reeg, both juniors, and Alexander Bowen, in his second year.

Hosts Connecticut College took home the winner's trophy, dropping only one point all day, while the Coast Guard Academy came in second. The Universities of Vermont and Rhode Island tied for third, with the former taking the bronze due to head-to-head results. Northeastern University came in fifth.

The sailing team will look to bounce back at the Herring Pond Team Race next weekend, hosted by Mass Maritime. Wordell will also have a team sailing at Harvard in the Central Series.

In the meantime, stay tuned to www.mmabucs.com for all the latest Buccaneer news.

Gabriel Fidler, Sports Information Associate