Aweigh Game: Newman Sailor Competes in European Regatta

Newman freshman Emily Alfortish was one of four sailors to represent the United States at the IODA (International Optimist Dinghy Association) European Championship Regatta held in Bourgas, Bulgaria this August. The event consisted of five days of racing on the waters of the Black Sea. Two hundred and sixty-two sailors from 44 countries participated in the event. The sailors were chosen from national selection trials held in their respective countries prior to the event. The first three days of racing consisted of a qualifying series where sailors competed for Gold, Silver, and Bronze Fleet. Emily was one of the three US sailors who made it to the Gold Fleet for the final two days of the racing series. Emily finished 24th of the 108 female sailors competing in the event (just surpassing her goal of finishing in the top 25). Click here to watch a documentary on the IODA Championship.

 

Emily qualified to compete in the event with Team USA earlier this May at the USODA (United States Optimist Dinghy Association) Team Trials Regatta held in Brant Beach, New Jersey, and she also retained her position on the US National Team for the second year. This year, she looks forward to continuing to compete and further her goals in the Optimist class and also to participate on the Newman Sailing Team. Competing in the Optimist class is a stepping stone to competing in Olympic classes. Please join us in congratulating Emily on impressive skill and accomplishment and wishing her well in her sailing aspirations.