by Cori Radtke, ICSA Communications Committee
Photography by Hannes Leonard
Eastern National Semis | Western National Semis
Competition at the 2026 Women’s Fleet Race National Championship got underway Friday with the opening round of semifinal racing, as 36 teams took to the water seeking a place in the 18 team championship final. After two days of qualifying competition in shifting and varied conditions, the field for the final round is now set.
Racing began on time at 9:30 a.m. in warm, sunny Florida conditions, with the Western Semifinal sailing in 420s and the Eastern Semifinal competing in FJs. After an opening northeasterly breeze of 8 to 12 knots, unstable midday conditions forced the abandonment of one race before sailors were sent ashore briefly. Racing resumed in a building northwesterly breeze of 13 to 18 knots, allowing officials to complete six races in each semifinal division.
At the close of day one, Stanford University led the Western Semifinal, while Brown University topped the Eastern Semifinal.
Day two of the Women’s Fleet Race National Semifinals brought light and challenging conditions as the semifinals switched boats, with teams rotating from 420s to FJs. An east-southeasterly breeze of 5 to 7 knots held for much of the day before dropping below 4 knots and forcing the abandonment of races on the course. Sailors navigated a lumpy sea state early before the water gradually flattened, and a more stable breeze returned later in the afternoon. With qualification for the final stage on the line, aggressive starting combined with current, led to multiple general recalls as teams pressed the line in tight racing.
The final races came down to the narrowest of margins, particularly in the Eastern Semifinal, where the ninth and final qualifying spot ended in a tie between the University of Rhode Island and Fordham University.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the team for pulling it off,” said head coach Joakim Karlsen. “We needed to put up some good races at the end, and they pulled through. Great team effort all around.”
“It took effort and grit from all our ladies, whether it was filling water bottles or trimming sails,” said co-captain Ariana Schwartz ’27. “It’s a surreal feeling to be one of the few club teams competing at this level, and it feels awesome to be here. I appreciate all the work these ladies have done, and I’m looking forward to finals.”
The Western Semifinal was nearly as close, with the ninth and final qualifying spot secured by just three points.
“We’re relieved to have made it through to the finals of this year’s championship,” said Charles Higgins. “It was a tough battle in our semifinal. Fortunately, going into the final race, we had a buffer, and the ladies did a good job of staying in touch with the competition to ensure we advanced. Looking into tomorrow, it’s a fresh start, and we look forward to the opportunity it presents.”
The Western Semifinal was won by Bowdoin College, giving the Polar Bears their first semifinals victory in program history.
“Entering the spring season, we knew this team had depth and experience,” said Cori Radtke, associate head coach at Bowdoin College. “To see these athletes put together a historic season with the program’s first Women’s Team Race Nationals appearance and first semifinals win leaves us wanting more tomorrow. They’ve done the preparation to compete at this level, and they trusted each other to get it done. We also had a great shore crew that kept the vibes steady all day. Now that exams are behind us, we’re excited for more great sailing here in the Sunshine State.”
Off the water, the event carried a classic Florida beach atmosphere, with sun, water and coastal wildlife adding to the setting. Dolphins, manatees and stingrays made appearances near the venue, while jumping fish and diving birds rounded out the scene.
Credit goes to PRO Todd Fedyszyn and his team of USF sailors for their efficient work on the water in navigating a full range of conditions and keeping the event on schedule.
The field is now set for the final stage of the Women’s Fleet Race National Championship, with the top 18 teams from semifinal competition securing their places in tomorrow morning’s opening races. After two days of qualifying, the championship round begins with a clean slate as teams turn their focus to the final push for a national title.
