Not only did the Wildcat sailing team capture its first trophy in the four-year history of the program, it came within one point of winning its first regatta at the Island Cup in Oak Harbor Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9.

Anacortes edged Oak Harbor 92-93 for the title in a five-team battle for first place. Bainbridge and Charles Wright Academy were one point back in third place at 94, and Orcas Island finished with 95. Fourteen schools took part.

Each school entered two boats, and each sailed in 11 races. The finish of the two boats were combined (one point for first, two for second, etc.) over the 22 races to determine the team champion.

The Wildcats’ two-person boats were manned by senior skipper Austin Hauser and freshman crew Jenny Danielson and junior skipper Jordan Wood-Pina and sophomore crew Piper Fisher. Each placed third in their respective divisions.

“It was some of the most competitive racing I have seen in years, and the best sailing Wildcat sailors have ever done,” Oak Harbor coach Erik Mann said. “Our team sailed extremely well; they stayed consistent and focused throughout the weekend.

“Even though we fell just short of first place, this was a huge victory for our team and Oak Harbor Youth Sailing as a whole. These kids have now proven to themselves they have what it takes to win a district regatta, and they got to do it in front of their home crowd.”

The Wildcats have three regattas left, and two are district championship events in Seattle. A win in either of those regattas would earn Oak Harbor a chance to compete in the national championships in either Virginia or Massachusetts in May.

Mann said the Oak Harbor Yacht Club and Oak Harbor Marina supplied 50 volunteers that served four meals to the 200 sailors, the club’s Buccaneers donated $500 for the event to make it more affordable for the student racers, the club’s Dr. Byron Skubi and Larry Munns handled the on-water duties and the band Backyard Bison performed Saturday night.

Oak Harbor High School provided its gymnasium for visiting sailers to sleep Friday and Saturday nights.

Oak Harbor Youth Sailing is now registering students for summer camps. For more information, visit oakharboryouthsailing.org

Piper Fisher, left, and Jordan Wood-Pina lean into it during this weekend’s racing. (Photo by John Fisken)

Austin Hauser (red cap) and Jenny Danielson race for the Wildcats. (Photo by John Fisken)

Jordan Wood-Pina, left, and Piper Fisher get ready to sail. (Photo by John Fisken)