Sailing Competes Well in First All Women's Open at Washington College Bryan J. Harvey  Apr. 12, 2005 Chestertown, Md. - The Hampton University Sailing Team got a huge boost of confidence over the weekend as the women competed in their first all women's open in the Washington College open in Chestertown, Maryland. HU head coach Carolyn Grant was very happy with the outcome considering this was the women's first race all by themselves. They had not participated in an all women's event this year, which includes the fall season. "This was our first women's event that we entered," stated Grant. "We accomplished what we wanted to do … we ended solidly at fourth (4th) place, which was our goal all along." The winds swept in at 10-15kts oscillating down the Chester River, while the temperature maintained a steady 70-degree warmth all day long. The courses were seen as challenging, but the clear skies gave them something to cheer about. The Hampton women took home two top-2 finishes in A Division action, while B Division took home a top-2 finish as well. Most of the Pirates finished in at fourth or fifth for both divisions, which is exactly-as stated by Grant-exactly where HU was expected to finish within their own personal goals. "Gabrielle Lyons skippered her first 1st place finish and novice skipper Bryana Nicholas came in and scored a second place in one race," continued Grant. "This was a very impressive showing by HU." The overall winner of the regatta was host Washington College, followed by the Naval Academy and Georgetown. With a full rotation of races completed early on Saturday, the race committee decided to end racing for the weekend since no wind was scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Pirates, as a whole, have already qualified for the MAISA Regionals, and look to compete very well in that event once again this season. Hampton will now combine back as men and women next weekend as their grueling schedule continues at the Arrigan Memorial - South #2 in Washington, D.C. --HU--