Following three days of competition in variable conditions on Lake Pontchartrain, the Harvard University Sailing Team ended with a 22–3 record to secure its second consecutive Open Team Race National Championship—its third title in four years—in an exceptionally tight field.
The Stanford University Cardinal took second and the Roger Williams University Hawks rounded out the podium in third.
Entering the event as the top-ranked team in the country, the Harvard Crimson sailors lived up to expectations and delivered a dominant performance over the first two stages of competition– ending the round of eight with a 20-2 record and the championship title secured before the final round began.
“It was a special team win,” said senior Harvard skipper Mitchell Callahan. “Each member on the roster contributed immensely this week, and I am so grateful for the incredible group of people that make up the Harvard sailing team. We have the best coaches, sailors, support staff, and parents in the sport, and I could not be more proud or more grateful to be a part of such a historic team.”
With Harvard’s title already secured, the focus of the final four shifted to the battle for the remaining podium positions. Based on their record from the previous rounds, the Dartmouth Big Green were locked into fourth, but their performance in the final stage proved decisive in shaping the final order between Stanford and Roger Williams who entered with equal records.
“We had a lot of things break our way in the really tight battle for the top eight and then the final four. The team was eager to get some wins against the teams that had bested us in the first two rounds” said Dartmouth Sailing Interim Head Coach Rebecca McElvain, whose team went undefeated in the final round.
Dartmouth’s clean sweep meant that the podium positions were determined by the final race between Stanford and Roger Williams.
“Our team worked super hard this entire season and it shows in our finals results,” said senior Dartmouth skipper Bella Casaretto. “We were able to come back from losses and improve consistently throughout the event. The last round was our best performance of the season and was a perfect way to end.”
Dartmouth’s success in the final round came after a tie-breaker was needed to select the last team that would advance to the final four. Just one race win was the difference between teams five through eight after twenty-two races each.
“The margins were razor-thin throughout, and the level of racing on display was truly world-class,” said Georgetown Head Coach Michael Callahan whose team advanced to the round of eight. “It was a privilege to witness such outstanding competition, and our athletes represented themselves and our program with distinction.”
With several key starting skippers from the podium teams set to graduate, the depth of this year’s field suggests an even more open contest for the national title next season.
Final Record:
- Harvard University (22/3)
- Stanford University (17/8)
- Roger Williams University (16/9)
- Dartmouth College (15/10)
- Brown University (12/10)
- Georgetown University (12/10)
- Tulane University (11/11)
- U.S. Naval Academy (11/11)
- College of Charleston (8/7)
- Boston College (7/8)
- University of Pennsylvania (7/8)
- Tufts University (6/9)
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy (4/11)
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland (4/11)
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2/13)
- Northwestern University (0/15)
Author: Delaney Conlogue (ICSA Communications Committee)
Photography by Parker Waters
The ICSA sponsors and partners for the 2026 season are:
Zim, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer, Official Suppliers of College Sailing
Dermatone, Official Skin Care Sponsor and Supplier of College Sailing
Quantum Sail, Official sponsor of the "Quantum Women's College Sailor of the Year."
Marlow Ropes, Official Supplier of College Sailing
