W. Sailors Pull Upset, Qualify for Nationals

The Radcliffe sailing team pulled off a minor upset of sorts this weekend in Branford, Conn., qualifying for the team nationals to be held in June.

Competing for the Reed Trophy against 10 other New England teams, the Black and White finished just three points ahead of its nearest competitor, Brown, to grab the fourth spot and earn a bid to the national competition.

To finish in fourth, Radcliffe, which last competed at nationals in 1989, had to adjust to a different type of boat, since 420s, instead of Larks, are used in national competitions. More importantly, they had to outsail some solid teams.

"It obviously was a deep field. Many great teams didn't qualify," said senior Caitlin Murray, who skippered the "B" division boat. "We knew we could qualify. I think we surprised a lot of people."

Dartmouth, Yale and Connecticut College--which finished one, two and three--also picked up tournament bids.

The Black and White will devote the next several weeks to prepping for the national competition, which will be held from June 1-3 in Charlestown, S.C. Much of that time will be devoted to learning the ins and outs of the 420s.

"We need to get as much 420 experience over next few weeks as we can. We can win this regatta. We just have to get psyched for it," Murray said.

Sophomore Jen Drohan captained the "A" division boat. Her crew included freshman Alison Lozner and junior Christine Hinkley. Senior Kara Berdik sailed with Murray.

THE NOTEBOOK: Julie Trotman '89, who led Radcliffe to its last nationals bid in 1989, will represent the U.S. in the Summer Olympics to be held in Barcelona, Spain. Last week, Trotman won the Olympic individual