ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic sailing team battled through changing conditions Saturday at the SAISA South Trophy, hosted by South Florida at USF St. Petersburg.

Eight teams competed in the one-day regatta, with the A and B divisions racing together in a 16-boat fleet. The Sailfish finished sixth overall after navigating a full day of shifting breeze and challenging current.

Morning conditions provided some of the best breeze of the day, with winds of 6-8 knots out of the northeast. The fleet completed six races before lunch as sailors contended with 10-15 degree shifts throughout the course, along with an outgoing tide in the Coast Guard basin.

PBA's A Division was led by Dawson Kohl '27, who sailed races 1-6 with Maiah Ahrens '28. Jordon Hetchler '30 took over for races 7-9. The A Division finished the regatta with 89 points, highlighted by a first-place finish in the second race of the day and a fourth-place result in race three.

In B Division, Nathan Hjort '27 and Gabriela Picard '29 represented the Sailfish. The duo totaled 103 points across nine races, with their best result coming in race two, where they crossed the line in fourth.

Conditions became increasingly difficult as the day progressed. Winds dropped to 4-7 knots during the second set while shifts continued to play a major role in racing. The breeze faded further late in the afternoon, resulting in multiple abandoned races as competitors battled light air, large shifts and the outgoing tide.

Palm Beach Atlantic finished the event with 192 combined points, placing sixth in the eight-team field.

Up Next
The Sailfish return to competition in October when they travel to Jacksonville University for their next regatta.