The Orcas High School Sailing Team has taken to the water for spring practices this past week – regardless of the winter weather.

Ten sailors from the team traveled to the the annual kick-off regatta at Seattle Yacht Club on Saturday, March 3, and captured second place in the Gold fleet.

After winning all three District championships in 2011 and then graduating 11 seniors, the team has shown it is ready to be a force on the water in 2012, says coach Burke Thomas.

Report from Seattle Yacht Club

Around 122 sailors from over 25 High Schools competed in the 2012 Kick Off Regatta at Seattle Yacht Club. The wind, sunshine, and warm temperatures made for a great day of sailing and spectating. Portage Bay is known for its puffy and shifty conditions, and this day proved to be no different. With puffs in the high teens coming through the course, sailors really had to on their toes and react to the tricky conditions.

The racing was tight and with the conditions it was tough to hold a lead. Everyone saw how getting a clean start and getting to the first shift really paid off. Port Townsend Team 2 had consistent finishes keeping them in the lead throughout the day. Orcas Team 1 and Interlake were not too far behind in second and third, respectively. All teams did a great job; it was not an easy day on the race course.