As 2010 national champions, the 25 members of Cathedral Catholic’s sailing team are already starting off strong in their yearlong season. They started practicing in early September for four hours twice a week at the San Diego Yacht Club in Point Loma.

In Monterey Bay, the team did very well in their first individuals’ event. Clayton Schluter placed 19th, Ryan Hopps placed 16th, Jameson Perry placed 12th, and James Trotter placed 11th.

Team captain, senior Nevin Snow, said that the team looks impressive already. “We have a lot of underclassmen this year, but the team dynamic is really good. Myself and the other captain, Breanne Baldino, are very proud of all the other upperclassmen for helping and teaching our new teammates how to get it done,” he said.

The team competes in many regattas throughout the season. To help focus on team bonding, one weekend each month the team travels to events together.

Nevin said, “Our coac, Brian Stanford really encourages us all and makes practices just like the regattas. He emphasizes the importance that our team sticks together.” Coach Stanford is a former head coach of the Dartmouth College sailing team.

Anticipating much competition this season, the team is most looking forward to challenging Point Loma.

Nevin said, “We are excited for the season to really get going. We have won individuals nationally two years in a row, but we really are striving to repeat our 2010 national win.”