Everyone has somewhere they belong. When thinking of high school sports, most think of athletes belonging on a fi eld or a court. However, there is a group of Richmond Hill High School students who belong somewhere completely different…on the water! The Richmond Hill Sailing Team began seven years ago. During these seven years, they have rigorously practiced and traveled to compete in regattas at various locations; even as far away as Connecticut!

Sailing requires just as much mental, emotional, and physical dedication as the other, more common sports. Twice a week, depending on the weather, the Richmond Hill Sailing Team packs in their van after school and travels to Sunbury to practice on the Medway River. Once there, they prepare their boats and hit the water!

By simply observing the team, it was easy to tell that sailing is much different than football, soft ball, baseball, and basketball. The precision needed to stay afloat, much less race around, comes with a lot of hard work and an abundance of practice. The constant chatter between the skipper and the crew to keep the boat balanced and hitting the marks is extensive. Not just anyone can hop in a sailboat and succeed. It certainly makes sense that the team has a classroom session before setting sail on the water.

The members of this year’s team have all been sailing for varying amounts of time. “My brother encouraged me to start sailing and I’m really glad I did. I love it,” says Tradd Stephens, who has been sailing for four years now.

Team captain Devon Rodhe said of her favorite part of sailing, “I like the competition. On any given Saturday, we are up early, rolling out of Richmond Hill no later than 6:30am. The regattas usually begin at 9am and we race until 4 or 5pm. There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon!”

Throughout all of the regattas and practices, the Sailing Team has emerged from a team to a family. “It’s like our own little family,” Kelly Muhlenburg shares. “Everyone knows one another well, and we have all become great friends that continually support one another, which makes the entire sailing experience even more worthwhile.”

Just like a family, the Sailing Team members are continually teaching one another important life lessons. Devon Rodhe says, “It’s hard to think of what sailing hasn’t taught me. I have definitely learned to have a competitive spirit while being able to deal with a loss. The sport has given me confidence and nautical knowledge. It has also given me an appreciation for my family, who has given up a lot of time to support me. I’m positive that I would not be the person I am today if I had never gotten in a sailboat.”

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who plays a sport belongs on a field. The Richmond Hill Sailing Team does an excellent job of providing its members with a sense of belonging and a feeling of great achievement. Sailing has allowed these kids to go against the flow, both in a literal and a figurative way. Way to go, Sailcats!

Editor’s Note: This year, the Sailcats will host and attend several regattas and would appreciate your support, join them April 10th and 11th for the district championship. For more information on the Sailcats, contact JeanneMuhlenberg@comcast.net