CRANSTON, R.I. — The Maine Maritime Academy sailing team made program history this weekend at the 2026 Sherman Hoyt Trophy, securing a spot in the first round of the 2026 Open Atlantic Coast Championship for the first time in program history.
Hosted by Brown University at Edgewood Yacht Club, the Sherman Hoyt Trophy brought together 16 teams from across NEISA. The event was originally scheduled as a two-day regatta, but a strong nor'easter that moved through southern New England from Friday into early Sunday morning forced a condensed schedule.
Conditions on the water were challenging but consistent. A steady northeast breeze ranged from approximately 8–15 knots, while shifting wind and strong current created an additional layer of difficulty for the fleet.
In B Division, skipper Toby Clarkson '29 and crew Isabel Dickson '30 found their footing, earning a bullet in Race 3 and a third-place finish in Race 8. The pair put together several solid finishes throughout the day and finished 10th in B Division with 91 points.
In A Division, skipper Finn Deprez '29 and crewsGeorge White '27 and Sarah Zucker '30 put together a steady day. The A Division pairings finished 15 th with 123 points.
More important than the final standing was what the result represented for the program.
"Securing a spot at ACC's Round 1 has been a team goal for a few years now," said Associate Coach Delaney Conlogue. "It's something this group has worked toward for a long time, and it's really exciting to see them make it happen."
The Mariners will now turn their attention to the 2026 Open Atlantic Coast Championship Round 1, October 10–11 at St. Mary's College of Maryland, where they'll race new teams on the national stage. The top nine teams from each semifinal advance to the Atlantic Coast Championship at Brown University, while the remaining teams compete at the Atlantic Coast Tournament at Connecticut College, both October 17–18.
