St. Michael Catholic Sailing Team Shines at 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl Great Oaks Invitational

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the St. Michael Catholic High School sailing team showcased their prowess at the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl Great Oaks Invitational over the weekend of November 18 and 19. The event, attracting 28 top-tier teams from across the United States, marked the culmination of the team's Fall Regatta season.

The opening day, blessed with brisk 15-18 knot winds, presented a challenging course that tested the mettle of the competitors. Despite the wind slackening throughout the day, the St. Michael sailing team engaged in a fierce competition, navigating through 12 consecutive races that commenced at 10 AM and concluded at sunset.

As the second day dawned, the 28 participating teams were divided, with the top 14 advancing to the prestigious Gold Fleet. For the second consecutive year, St. Michael secured a coveted spot in the Gold Fleet, a testament to their consistent performance. Simultaneously, the remaining teams battled it out in the Silver Fleet, featuring contenders such as Bayside, Bayshore Christian, and Fairhope High School.

Sunday brought a forecast of lighter winds, with 6-8 knots proving to be a welcome change from the previous day's intensity. Undeterred, the St. Michael team demonstrated remarkable consistency, completing 11 races and consistently finishing in the upper half of the fleet.

In an outstanding achievement, the team clinched the 4th position Overall in the highly competitive Gold Fleet, a mere 4 points behind the 3rd position. The top three spots were secured by Barrington High from Rhode Island, Jesuit High from New Orleans, and New Albany High from Columbus, Ohio.

Special congratulations are extended to Nate Hartwell, Fisher Key, and Anna Christian Moore, whose collective effort secured the school's record-breaking 4th place in the Gold Fleet. This marks St. Michael's fifth consecutive year earning a spot at the National Regatta, with each year witnessing remarkable improvement. For the second year running, the team outperformed all local contenders, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the sailing community.