Palm Beach Atlantic's sailing team capped its 2026 season with a statement performance, competing among the nation's top regional programs at the ICSA Regional Teams National Invitational, held April 25–26 at Larchmont Yacht Club in Larchmont, New York.
The prestigious regatta, hosted by Columbia University, brought together 12 elite regional teams from across the country, creating one of the most competitive fields of the spring. Racing conditions and tight scoring margins kept the standings in flux throughout the weekend, with nearly every team proving capable of contending in individual races.
For Palm Beach Atlantic, the event marked both a milestone and a measuring stick. The Sailfish finished with a total of 145 points, highlighted by a strong showing in A division, which posted 51 points and remained in close contention across multiple rotations. B division added 94 points in a fleet where consistency was difficult to find amid the depth of competition.
PBA's lineup featured a mix of emerging talent and developing leadership. In A division, Dawson Kohl '27 skippered alongside Priscilla Foster '27 for races 1–6, while Brayden Valliere '29 stepped in for races 7–12. The trio delivered several top finishes, keeping the Sailfish within striking distance in a tightly packed leaderboard. In B division, Nathan Hjort '27 and Grace VanGessel '29 gained valuable experience against some strong teams in collegiate sailing.
While the final standings only tell part of the story, the weekend underscored the program's steady growth. Competing at a national invitational of this caliber reflects how far the Sailfish have come, earning their place among the country's most competitive regional squads.
More importantly, the regatta provided a glimpse of what lies ahead. With a young roster gaining exposure to high-level racing, Palm Beach Atlantic leaves the season not only with results, but with momentum.
Closing out the year on a national stage, the Sailfish embraced both the challenge and the opportunity—an experience that signals a promising trajectory for the program in seasons to come.
