ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maine Maritime Academy sailing finished fourth out of ten teams in the Shields Trophy this weekend.
 
The squad arrived in Annapolis for the Friday practice day after a long night of travel. The tired MMA sailors worked hard to learn the boat despite their exhaustion and had a productive three hour practice. On Saturday morning, the team showed up with their game faces on for another half day of practice before the first official start at lunchtime. Only two of our team members had sailed a Navy 44 before, and Maine was widely considered an underdog team. However, our sailors proved that they were in contention for a podium finish through their good boat speed, quick adaptation to the boat, and excellent boathandling in their tacks, gybes, and mark roundings. Off the water, the team debriefed and worked out kinks for the next day. Sunday morning came in with better breeze, and the eager Maine Maritime sailors were first off the dock with the MMA flag flying proudly on their bow as they motored out to the course. MMA sailing entered day two in sixth place, just two points out of fifth. In the first race of day two, Maine Maritime finished in sixth; in race two, the Mariners finished in fourth; and by the third and last race, MMA pulled off a first place finish. The team achieved this by having a perfect start, sailing on the favored side of the course, and maintaining excellent boat speed through the entire race. Maine Maritime Academy Sailing proved to their coaches and other teams that they have the potential for greatness.
 
The Mariners return to action next weekend at the Harvard Invite, hosted by Harvard University and the Hoyt Trophy, hosted by Brown University.