February 27-28, 2010

CNU 2-on-2 Team-Racing Clinic
Newport News, Virginia

This past weekend, Drexel Sailors Drew Bergan, Jen Mislinski, Sean Orzolek and Annie Mercurio participated in a two-on-two team-racing clinic at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. CNU Sailing Coach Dan Winters spent Saturday and Sunday mornings presenting lectures to the visiting teams about team-racing tactics, strategies, and the importance of obtaining winning positions on the course throughout the race. Skipper Drew Bergan and crew Annie Mercurio were paired in one boat, and Team President, Jennifer Mislinksi skippered with crew Sean Orzolek. Despite shifty winds gusting between 0-4 knots, the teams spent the afternoons practicing applying their new knowledge out on the water. Due to the poor wind conditions, sailors were unable to successfully exercise the strategies they had just learned, and many of the practice races inevitably turned into fleet races. We took this time to switch between Vanguard 420s and Flying Juniors, as well as switch roles in each boat. Crew Annie Mercurio had the chance to skipper a boat for the first time in over a season, and Skippers Drew Bergan and Jen Mislinski alternated skippering and crewing. During short periods of good wind, however, we were able to team-race and we even won several races! The trip was a great opportunity to learn about a unique type of racing, and we are excited to expand our abilities and understanding of racing. The Drexel Sailors who attended Christopher Newport University’s sailing clinic will enlighten the rest of the Drexel Sailing team once the Spring 2010 Season practices commence.

--Annie Mercurio