"It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious."

- George Washington, 1781

In early January 2008, The GW Sailing Team found itself in a position that was both difficult and familiar. Recently rescued from extinction by a group of enterprising freshman sailors, the challenges faced by the team were daunting. GW had no boats, no coach, a small budget, and little success to speak of. What did exist, however, was a group of determined and dedicated individuals.  In 2011, the team finds itself in the midst of a new and exciting transformation.

An early turning point came in April 2008, when the team won first place overall at the Colony Cup, hosted by William & Mary. This was the first regatta ever won by the modern iteration of the GW sailing team, and the symbolic significance of this event has had enormously positive repercussions. In addition to besting a strong field of both varsity and club teams, GW gained a newfound sense of pride and purpose, and re-dedicated itself towards the ultimate goal of becoming a perennial contender in college sailing.     

This key victory did not go unnoticed on GW’s campus, and both the regatta and the history of the team were covered in a front-page article in the GW Hatchet. This got the attention of several high-level school officials, who later proved instrumental in helping us to procure six new boats for 2009, and two more in 2010. It was clear by then that GW Sailing was headed in a new direction. 

Since 2008, our team membership has increased exponentially. We now enjoy a racing roster of over 30 sailors, and teach dozens of novice GW students how to sail each semester. We have, over the past two years, beaten the majority of the club teams that we have competed against, and have given many varsity programs a serious run for their money. From 2009-11, we advanced to both the MAISA Fall and Spring Championships each year, a rare achievement for a club team. 

Local powerhouse programs such as Georgetown University, The U.S. Naval Academy and St. Mary’s College of Maryland are  models of what we aspire to become, and their leaders have helped us immensely. Georgetown Head Sailing Coach Mike Callahan has been a particularly strident supporter of expanding college sailing in DC.         

A new era has truly begun For our team. For the first time, a coach has emerged to lead our team into the future. Jay Sterne, the highly experienced and successful former coach of NY Maritime College, has recognized our potential and graciously volunteered his support. With our new fleet, new coach and irrepressible enthusiasm, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.