As we made our rounds from house, to sorority, to dorm, the car was soon filled with Kim Weiczner, Bryan Stenson, Noah Aldonas,and our coach Arthur Blodgett, and we were on our way to Semis by 6 am Friday morning. We couldn't stop talking about our savior Andrew Wien, our new B skipper who was flying from Annapolis to meet us in Charleston, where we would pick him up late Friday night. The drive was rather roomy with one less sailor, and we arrived in Charleston in record time.
After reviewing strategy for the current in Cooper River, (a venue only I was slightly familiar with due to a Women's regatta there earlier this year) we went to bed in our hotel that was filled with other sailors from around the country. Saturday morning brought us beautiful 80 degree weather and heavy winds. We had a great view from the dock, where we could almost reach out and touch boats that were banging the corner. I sailed the first two races, then sat our the rest of the day, allowing heavy crew Aldonas to keep the boat flat. After a head injury to B heavy crew Stenson, Weiczner subbed in so we could make sure no serious damage was done. Sunday's conditiond were very similar with lots of waves, current, wind, and sun. Arthur kept our spirits high, talking with us about every aspect of the race - the line, body movement in the boat, the current, the waves, and how to adjust our mark roundings to the current.
As expected, the competition was tough, and unfortunately we were not able to make it in the top half of the fleet that were sent to Nationals. However, we improved tremendously over the two days and had a great time in Charleston. As a graduting senior, I expect that NUST picks up where we left off and makes it even furthur year after year.
-Maija Mikkila, SESP 2010
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