ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. —

The Coast Guard Academy sailing team earned put together a strong showing this past weekend in the Western Semifinal finishing 11th in a highly-competitive field of the top 36 teams in the country. The event, held this season on the St. Mary's River, served as the penultimate challenge for teams vying for a spot in the prestigious ICSA Women's Fleet Race National Championship Finals.

The Bears were one of 18 teams battling for nine coveted qualifying spots, with an equal number advancing from the Eastern bracket. In A-Division, the team was represented by junior Sarah Krajewski (), sophomores Caroline Odell () and Grace Austin (), and freshman Ella Demand (); B-Division featured junior Allie Nystrom () and freshman Meara Conley ().

The regatta featured challenging and variable conditions across two days of racing. The first day opened with a light northerly breeze before shifting unpredictably throughout the afternoon, forcing the race committee to pause racing due to the inconsistent conditions. Despite the delays, three races were completed in A-Division and two in B-Division.

Day two brought steadier, though rain-soaked, conditions with a stronger north-by-northeasterly breeze. The race committee was able to complete six races in A-Division and seven in-B Division.

"We are extremely proud of how this group sailed over the past two days," says head coach David Thompson. "It's the first time competing at a national championship for many of them, and we're excited with where we are and what the future holds."

While the Bears did not advance to the finals, their performance marks a significant milestone for a young and promising squad.

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