June 4, 2008
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Newport, R.I. - The Georgetown University sailing team started Wednesday's final day of the ICSA/Gill Fleet National Championship competition in second place, 17 points behind Boston College. The Hoyas rallied with a strong finish to win the program's first-ever Fleet Racing national title. Georgetown's B Division boat had 11 top five finishes over the course of the 18-race event while the A Division boat finished 1-2-2 in its final three races.
Georgetown totaled 238 points, ahead of St. Mary's (Md.) (269), Boston College (270), Roger Williams (289) and Connecticut College (307).
"We are totally thrilled about this," said head coach Michael Callahan. "Words can't describe how happy we are.
"They changed the format of the fleet racing competition so the nation's best 18 teams are here," said Callahan. "This could very well be the most competitive regatta ever and to come out on top is just great.
"We've finished this race in second place twice before," Callahan continued. "The kids had a certain confidence about them today. They never backed off and finished strong."
The Hoya B Division boat of Charlie Buckingham and Alexandra Taylor was tremendously consistent. The duo led the division with 55 points through the first two days of racing and finished the competition with 97 points.
The A Division boat of skipper Chris Behm and crew Carly Chamberlain teamed up in races 1-15 and then again in race 18. Marco Teixidor took the crew position, joining the skipper Behm for races 16 and 17.
Noted sailing commentator and Annapolis, Md. native Gary Jobson will produce a one-hour program on the ICSA/Gill National Championship for ESPNU which will have its first airing Saturday, July 19 at noon eastern time.
Complete Fleet Racing results can be viewed here.
