NEW LONDON, Conn.--The Maine Maritime Academy sailing team wrapped up the month of March at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's J70 Invitational #1, where the Mariners finished in fifth place with 77 points in the keelboat racing event based out of the Jacob's Rock Sailing Center over the weekend.

Maine Maritime was helmed by seniors Ella Beauregard, junior William Ries, sophomores Taber Allen, Drake Reid and freshmen Simone Ford, Jane Marvin. The Mariners posted three top-3 finishes, including first place during the seventh race and a runner-up in the fourth.

Webb Institute beat eight other teams with 31 points for first place overall. 

Saturday morning's racing saw a steady 6-9 knot north-northwest breeze with moderate ebb tide and warm temperatures. The breeze and ebb tide built throughout the day while temperatures dropped, with wind conditions ranging from around 10-20 knots through the afternoon and swinging to the northeast. The ebb tide eventually maxed out and teams battled up the left side of the course where they saw significant current relief north of Jacob's Rock and close to shore. On Sunday, race conditions saw a light easterly 3-9 knots that were shifty and tricky with current slack through most of the day. 

Maine Maritime will race again on Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6 at the Connecticut College/Emily Wick Women's Regatta in New London, Conn., and host the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association Dinghy Tournament on Penobscot Bay.