Larchmont, N.Y.- Monmouth sailing opened the 2012-13 season at the Storm Trysail Foundation Intercollegiate Regatta, finishing seventh out of more than 40 Universities at the largest intercollegiate offshore regatta in the United States. 

After three races on Saturday the team was in third, but was not able to hold the lead into the final day of races on Sunday. Weather was a factor for the sailing team as favorable Saturday winds ranged from 15 knots (17.3 mph) to 24 knots (27.6 mph) while on Sunday it was cold and rainy with little wind, (8 knots).

On Sunday morning the team had a few missteps in the first race in which MU was hoping to make up for in the coming races. Teams were hoping to get four races in on the day but halfway through the second race the weather worsened and races were cancelled for the day.

"This was a great opportunity for our sailors to get large boat experience in offshore racing," said Monmouth sailing coach Lee Dirubbo.  "For many of the teams participating, this was the first experience racing on large boats. It provided an opportunity to work as a large crew and gather new skills working with spinnaker sails along with jibs."

Five members of the Monmouth University sailing team, Paul Stevens, Matt Marciano, Shawn Diamond, Brogan Savage and Courtney Brooks, participated in the intercollegiate Offshore Regatta 2012, sailing a Soverel 33 owned by Mr. Richard Heinz. Teams came in from as far away as Ontario, Canada and the Midwest to participate in the regatta which was sponsored by the Storm Trysail Foundation and Larchmont Yacht Club.  Owners of large race boats from the Larchmont Yacht Club and surrounding clubs contributed their boats for the sailors to race on using a crew from the each university's sailing team. 

For more information on the Storm Trysail Regatta, visit www.stormtrysailfoundation.org/intercollegiate.htm