On Oct 16, I set off for Ithaca, New York along with three sailors from Newport Harbor and our coach, Zander Kirkland, also from Newport, to compete in the High School Single Handed National Championships, known as Cressy. This event features the best laser sailors from high schools across the United States and was hosted by Cornell University and Hobart and William Smith colleges. I represented Santa Barbara High School in a laser radial. There were 18 laser radials as well as 18 full rigs competing.

We flew into Ithaca late Thursday night and headed over to the Merrill family sailing center early Fri. morning to check-in and get our chartered lasers. The drive over to the sailing center was breathtaking. After practice on Friday, Cornell hosted a dinner for all the competitors. Zander took us on a driving tour of Cornell University on the way. Ithaca is an absolutely gorgeous place especially this time of year, with many waterfalls and perfectly orange leaves on all the trees. However, I don't think any of us were ready for just how cold it was. Just to give you an idea, the water in our cockpit was frozen solid, along with the sails and lines. Many competitors relied on blow dryers to thaw out the ice.

There were 17 races, each with unpredictable shifts and puffs coming from every direction. Consistency proved to be the key to success. With all races counting in the final score, mistakes were costly, especially my two 2nd to last finishes due to an over early and shifty conditions. Although I had more 1st place finishes then anyone else (a total of 6), I finished 4th overall. I am looking forward to next years Cressy as well as applying my new skills in upcoming regattas. I would like to thank the Santa Barbara Youth Foundation and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club Women for supporting me in this event. They make it possible for me to grow as a sailor and pursue my goals.

Oliver Toole

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