Mitchell Sailing Wins Tyrell Trophy
GROTON, Conn. – The Mitchell College sailing team finished in first place to capture the Tyrell Trophy on Sunday afternoon, an event hosted by the University of Connecticut at the UConn-Avery Point campus.
It marked the first time in recent memory that a Mitchell team has won a regatta. Racing in Lark sailboats, the Mariners defeated Tufts College, Providence College, Northeastern University, UConn, Wellesley College and Wesleyan University to take the two-year-old trophy from defending champion UConn. Tufts placed second in the event.
The regatta was comprised of only one race due to very windy conditions. Sailing for Mitchell were sophomore Alex Hering and freshman Chelsea Abbenante. The duo sailed a controlled race and was among the few crews that did not capsize its boat. Of the seven teams that started the race, the Mariners were one of three teams to cross the finish line.
"I could not be prouder of the team," said head coach Bill Furgueson. "They dominated the sailing of the race from start to finish and had to deal with some tough conditions. The wind was blowing 15-20 mph steady, with gusts of over 30 mph coming with great frequency."
Freshmen Jared Fosse-Baker and Alexandra Bollella also represented the Mariners at the event but were unable to sail due to the blustery conditions.