Contributed by sailing coach Burke Thomas

Eight sailors from the Orcas High School Sailing Team traveled to the JAM regatta, hosted by Port Madison Yacht Club on Sept. 11 and 12. The team enjoyed camping Friday and Saturday nights at Faye Bainbridge State Park, which has a fantastic view of the Seattle skyline across Puget Sound. All the Orcas sailors competed in the very competitive two-person Vanguard 15 class; there were a total of 13 boats in the Vanguard class.

This was one of the best JAM regattas ever, with sunny skies and moderate wind on Saturday giving way to grey skies and blustery winds with choppy seas on Sunday. Fifteen races were completed, with Orcas skipper Jake White and crew Lee Gibbons grabbing the first place hardware, taking seven bullets, three seconds, with only one finish lower than fifth. Taylor Smith and Annie Ryder placed fifth, Rhys Thompson and Jules Mann placed ninths and Jamison rose and Nile Reed placed twelfth.

For complete results go to www.portmadisonnyc.org.

The team will host the Orcas Open Sept. 18 and 19 on West Sound.