College Sailing Nationals: A Deep Dive

College sailing is a vibrant and competitive sport, with national championships held annually in various categories. These championships showcase the talent and dedication of young sailors from across the country. This article delves into the details of college sailing nationals, highlighting key events, teams, and individuals, including insights into figures like Adam Werblow and the various championships.

National Championships Overview

National Championships are held in six categories: Women’s Single-handed, Men’s Single-Handed, Match Racing Championships, Women’s Dinghy, Coed Dinghy, and Team Racing. The college team that compiles the best overall record in the six categories is awarded the Leonard M. Fowle Trophy. Teams must qualify for the Nationals through Conference Championships. All events are scored low-point with no throw-out races. Racing is done on short courses, with boats usually rotated each race so that each team sails each boat in the fleet once.

Spring Championships

The spring season features the Women’s Dinghy, Coed Dinghy, and Team Racing National Championships. These events bring together the top collegiate teams to compete for national titles.

LaserPerformance Team Race National Championship

The LaserPerformance Team Race National Championship is a highlight of the spring college sailing season. In 2018, the event was held on the Elizabeth River, hosted by Old Dominion University. The top sixteen collegiate team racing teams in the nation competed for the national title. Michael Collins served as the Principal Race Officer, ensuring the course ran smoothly throughout the three-day event.

2018 Championship Highlights

Going into the final four of the 2018 championship, Charleston led the regatta. However, they faced tough competition, losing their first race in the final four to Georgetown University. Ward Cromwell, head coach for the College of Charleston, noted the tight competition among the top four teams. He emphasized the importance of a good start and the team's boat speed.

After the final four racing, a three-way tie for second place necessitated a sail-off. Despite rainy weather and light wind, the teams battled hard. Sean Bouchard, assistant coach for Roger Williams, emphasized the team's focus on staying calm and keeping it simple. Amanda Callahan, Roger Williams head coach, expressed pride in the team's progress. Scott Ikle, head coach for Hobart and William Smith Colleges, acknowledged the tough competition and expressed pride in their podium finish. Georgetown finished in fourth place.

Sponsors and Partners

The ICSA sponsors and partners play a crucial role in supporting college sailing events. Key sponsors include:

LaserPerformance: Title sponsor of the "LaserPerformance Men’s and Women’s Singlehanded National Championship" and the "LaserPerformance College Sailing Team Race National Championship," as well as the Official Boat Supplier of the ICSA Spring National Championships.
Sperry: Title sponsor of the "Sperry College Sailing Women’s National Championship."
Gill North American: Title sponsor of "The Gill College Sailing National Championship."
Quantum Sail Design Group: Official sponsor of the "Quantum Women’s College Sailor of the Year."
Marlow Ropes: Presenting sponsor of the "Marlow Ropes College Sailor of the Year Award" and "Official Rope of College Sailing."
US Sailing: Sponsor of "The Robert H."

Gill Coed National Championship

Following the racing for the Gill Coed National Championship, awards are presented to recognize outstanding achievements in college sailing. These awards include the Marlow Ropes College Sailor of the Year, the Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Award, and the Leonard M. Fowle Trophy for the Best Overall Team.

Marlow Ropes College Sailor of the Year

The Everett B. Morris Trophy is awarded annually to the Marlow Ropes College Sailor of the Year for outstanding performance at the highest level of collegiate sailing. In 2017, the finalists for the award were Ian Barrows (Yale University), Stephano Peschiera (College of Charleston), and Nicholas Baird (Yale University). Ian Barrows was ultimately named the winner.

Barrows expressed his appreciation for the atmosphere and friendships he has made through college sailing. He got into sailing through his family and older brother. Barrows graduated from Yale with a degree in economics.

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Leonard M. Fowle Trophy

The Leonard M. Fowle Trophy is awarded to the best overall collegiate team. In 2017, the College of Charleston won the trophy with 98.53 points. Boston College was second, and Yale University was third.

Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Award

The Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Award is awarded annually to the Sportsman of the Year. Finalists in 2017 included Nikole Barnes (St. Mary’s College of Maryland), Sean Segerblom (U.S. Coast Guard Academy), and Carolyn Smith (St. Mary’s College of Maryland). Nikole Barnes was known for being a fair and honest competitor.

All-American Teams

The Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) also announces the All-American Crews, Coed Skippers, and Honorable Mentions. A committee of representatives from the seven conferences in the ICSA selects the ICSA All-America Team. The committee evaluates competitors based on their competitive record in inter-conference competition, as well as conference and national championships.

2025 ICSA Women’s and Open Fleet Race National Championships

The 2025 ICSA Women’s and Open Fleet Race National Championships are set to take place at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Thirty-six teams from across the country will compete. The initial 36 teams selected are split into Eastern and Western Semifinals. Over two days of semifinal competition, teams will battle to be one of the top nine in each semifinal.

2025 Women’s Team Race Championship

Conditions were challenging at the 2025 College Sailing Women’s Team Race Championship. Racing had to be cut off on Saturday as gusts measured above 40 knots and multiple capsizes made continuing the Round of 12 too dangerous. Yale currently leads with a 9/2 record, followed closely by Harvard and Roger Williams, both with a record of 8/2.

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Key Sponsors for 2025 Season

A huge thank you to the ICSA sponsors and partners for the 2025 season: Zim, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer, Official Suppliers of College Sailing. Dermatone, Official Skin Care Sponsor and Supplier of College Sailing. Quantum Sails, Official sponsor of the "Quantum Women's College Sailor of the Year." Marlow Ropes, Official Supplier of College Sailing.

Adam Werblow: A Profile

Adam Werblow is a prominent figure in college sailing, serving as the head coach of the St. Mary’s sailing teams. As of 2015-16, he was entering his 28th season in this role. A 1988 graduate of Connecticut College, Werblow was the captain of the sailing team. Werblow led the team to two gold and two silver medals in 1991, the best record ever at those world championships. Werblow is married to Amy Moore and the couple resides in St.

Werblow's Coaching Philosophy and Insights

Werblow's long tenure at St. Mary's reflects his commitment to the sport and the college. He believes in small class sizes and an enriching environment for students to explore their intellectual selves. St. Mary’s is set in an idyllic setting on the water.

Additional Insights into College Sailing

College sailing provides a unique opportunity for women to compete with men on equal footing. The sport fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among sailors.

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