Stanford wins Women’s Team Racing Nationals

Stanford University won the 2024 College Sailing Women’s Team Race National Championship hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University on April 28-29 in Boston, MA. The winning team was Michelle Lahrkamp/ Ellie Harned, Vanessa Lahrkamp/ Gwendolyn Donahue, and Hannah Freeman/ Alice Schmid.

It was the fourth national championship in program history, with the Cardinal now holding one national title in each of the four spring championship disciplines (Women’s Team 2024, Open Team 1997, Women’s Fleet 2023, Open Fleet 2023).

After their runner-up finish in the 2023 Women’s Team Race Nationals, this victory marks Stanford’s third title in the last two seasons after claiming both the Women’s and Open Fleet championships last season.

Using FJs and E420s on the Charles River, the contest unfolded under light conditions, with winds coming from the east ranging between 4 to 9 knots. Following the first day, the Cardinal maintained their flawless streak, boasting a 9-0 record. Meanwhile, Boston College, Dartmouth College, and Harvard University found themselves tied with records of 7 wins and 3 losses each.

In a thrilling showdown, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University engaged in a sail-off, ultimately resulting in a Quaker victory, securing their spot in the Top Six alongside Stanford, Boston College, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale.

During the round of six Boston College dashed Stanford’s hopes of an undefeated run. Entering the Final Four, Stanford could not be caught, leaving Dartmouth, Yale, and Boston College to battle it out for the remaining podium spots. Despite sealing victory before the final round, Stanford commanded the field once again going 3-0.

Stanford finished with an 18/1 record, Yale University with 13/6, Boston College with 12/7, and Dartmouth with 11/8.

Head Coach Chris Klevan reflected on the team’s stellar performance, stating, “I’m so proud of the way our team sailed and conducted themselves on the water. I can’t think of a group of people I’d rather work with. Big thank you to all the Stanford sailing family who came out to support, and those watching from elsewhere. I love this team. We sailed like champions.”

Hannah Freeman ’24, Captain of Stanford’s sailing team, echoed Klevan’s sentiments, remarking, “Our success is a testament to the work every single team member has put in throughout the year, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work together and compete with such an incredible group of people.”

“The quality of sailing demonstrated by the women over 88 races was extraordinary,” said Kyle Assad, PRO of the event. “Competition was fierce and camaraderie was ever present. Honored to be part of this championship and hope to see more women’s team racing of all forms in the future.”

Details: https://scores.collegesailing.org/s24/icsa-women-team-race-national/

2023-24 Season

Fall National Championships:
November 3-5: Match Race Nationals – Charleston, SC
November 11-12: Women’s and Open Singlehanded Nationals – New Orleans, LA

Spring National Championships:
April 25-27: Open Team Race Nationals – Boston, MA
April 28-29: Women’s Team Race Nationals – Boston, MA
May 20-23: Women’s Dinghy Nationals – Boston, MA
May 24-27: Open Dinghy Nationals – Boston, MA

Source: ICSA