The Gloucester High sail team carried the city’s mantle into battle of the sailing squads in Boston this past Sunday, finishing impressively in third place overall in the 18-team event.
Competing against some of the area’s best teams, Gloucester grinded it out at the Courageous Sailing Center, ultimately finishing just two points shy of second. Team captain AJ Lewis split the helming duties with junior Aiden Woods in the A and B team format, for four races each.
According to coach Gordon Baird, conditions were extremely tough, with “steadily lightening winds and strong foul currents due to massive recent rainfall.” But his team maneuvered through it all with poise and determination.
“The kids handled the challenges extremely well,” said Baird. “The harder it got, the better they got. A great effort.”
In what was the Fishermen’s first entry into the Courageous Kickoff Classic, the Charles River barricades had been opened to release water, which only made the conditions more difficult. Safe to say Gloucester’s crew members passed the test with flying colors.