September 6, 2025
Conditions: Wind blowing from North/Northeast at 5-8 knots. Puffy and rainy conditions throughout the day.
The Lions started their co-ed season at the Northeast Series Qualifier #1, the first regatta in the series that qualifies teams for the Luce Trophy. Chase O’Malley (‘26) and Raina Jaeggli (‘28) set out for the first three races in difficult conditions. In race one they had a clear start off the pin, but fell behind on the first upwind. However, they quickly found their footing, playing the shifts right and securing a 4. In race 2 they sailed through the puffs and found breeze where others struggled, and they finished in third place. In their third, and last race of the set, the Lions caught up in boat traffic at the start. They picked up 6th place after battling through difficult conditions.
Next it was time for B divison’s first set. Alexander Ching (‘28), a former Purdue Sailor, made his debut sailing as a Lion, skippering for Giulio Basilico (‘27). In race one, aggressive tactics saw the Lions over at the start, but the pair had quick boat speed and great strategy, finishing first. This was Alexander Ching’s (‘28) first race win as a Lion, and Giulio Basilico’s (‘27) first race win. In the second race, the duo repeated their first place success, but in the third race, a late start saw them pick up a fourth place.
For the second, and last A fleet set, Alexander Vincenti (‘26) rotated in, crewing for Chase O’Malley (‘26). Late starts and big wind shifts in both races made for challenging races, but the pair had good strategy calls, which limited the damage. They finished in and 5th and 4th.
For the last two races of the day for B fleet, Alexander Ching (‘28) and Giulio Basilico (‘27) went back out, and they delivered. Poor starts in both races were not enough to slow the pair down. Great tactics and strategy led them to take 2nd and 1st, ending the day with a win.
The team finished in 2nd place, and everyone showed great potential for a strong season. With a fast new skipper in Alexander Ching (‘28), and a solid start to the Northeast Series, the Lions could not have asked for a more perfect start!
Check results here! --> https://scores.collegesailing.org/f25/northeast-qualifier/
