PROVIDENCE, R.I.-- The Salve Regina University sailing seniors saw what may be their final regatta as undergraduate students when the team competed at the Open New England Fleet Racing Championship. With a quarter of the sailing team graduating, the impact of these skilled individuals will certainly be felt. The progress of the team, however, will continue after their departure.
Open New England Fleet Race Championships Roster:
Conditions:
- Medium-high breeze on Saturday and high breeze on Sunday
- Current from tide change and sea-state chop
Coach
Brittney Manning has intentionally created pairs and practice plans that encourage cross-class skill development where the knowledge from upperclassmen is being shared and applied on the water by the underclassmen. Over the past year, the confidence built in boat maneuvers has developed from advice and suggestions from seniors and classroom collaboration.
In the culmination of her collegiate sailing career, I interviewed crew Shannon Gondolly '25 about her experience at the Open New England Fleet Race Championships:
Kathleen Johnson: What was the main reason you continued to participate on the team and continue competing?
Shannon Gondolly: The main reason I continued to sail throughout my four years is my genuine passion for the sport and drive to improve my skills.
Kathleen Johnson: As the final regatta of your college sailing career, how do you think the past four years lead to your performance at the Open New England FR Champs this past weekend?
Shannon Gondolly: The Open NE FR Championship is arguably the most competitive regatta in all of college sailing. The teams that sail at this regatta are the best teams from around the most competitive and talented conference in the country. All of these teams are fighting for a spot at nationals, which has sailors from all conferences. The competition this year was particularly fierce, and the high wind and chop made it even more challenging. It's disappointing that we didn't qualify for nationals, but we are proud of all the work and dedication it has taken to be able to fight against the top teams"
Kathleen Johnson: What were some of the skills that you honed this past weekend/how did the venue's conditions challenge you this weekend?
Shannon Gondolly: The conditions at the Open New England FR Championship were tough. The majority of the weekend saw big breeze chop, and strong current. Being able to hike hard for long upwinds and keeping your head out of the boat was major
Kathleen Johnson: What was something you applied from the classroom sessions and practice goals that you applied out during the races?
Shannon Gondolly: One goal I was focusing on this past weekend was what we call 'bonuses'. A 'bonus' is the extra effort beyond normal boat handling. In other words, it's the extra ooch, moving shoulders through chop on the upwinds, making small adjustments to the controls - the 'cherry on top' of what we were already doing.
Kathleen Johnson: What advice would you give to the underclassmen about their college sailing career?
Shannon Gondolly: The secret to success in sailing is time in the boat. Being consistent by going to every practice, sailing in any weather, and looking for any opportunities is how you improve. When it comes to big conditions, don't let fear dictate what you're capable of.
Kathleen Johnson: Thank you, Shannon, for joining me today for this interview. I really appreciate your perspective on the New England FR Champs, and I am grateful for the advice you have imparted to our underclassmen. Best of luck with the rest of your senior year.
At the Open England Fleet Race Championships regatta, our team placed 16th out of 17 teams. Next Saturday, the team will be competing at the Southern 7 FR (April 26) at University of Rhode Island.
The anticipated roster for next weekend is:
