Love letter from the back of the fleet

by Koralina McKenna
From September 27 to October 1, I raced in the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) Masters North Americans Regatta at the New York Yacht Club – Harbor Court in Newport, RI. I got DFL (dead *@$! last) in nearly every race, and I’m 100-percent okay with it.

In fact, I am supremely proud of myself for getting out there and just sailing. A long time ago, I accepted the fact that I wouldn’t be a podium finisher in sailing and instead focused on the camaraderie and joy that flows throughout the community that is competitive sailing.

Throughout my time in the racing scene, I have had a few successes, but mostly I have worked very hard to be a middle or bottom of the fleet finisher. Five years ago, I decided to start racing my husband’s ILCA (formerly Laser), as I wanted to get back to my sailing roots. The ones that trace back to sailing Sunfish with my friends at Girl Scout camp in Galveston Bay, TX. – Full report