Sun, Sails, and Silver: Back from a Big Week in Florida

I just wrapped up back-to-back regattas in Florida — and I’m home feeling salty, sunburned, but yet somehow totally re-energized.

Florida Masters Week at Palm Beach Sailing Club kicked things off with two absolute blowout days — wind in the high teens and beyond, full hiking, and waves that kept you honest. It was physical, gritty sailing, and my hands were wrecked by the end of it… but I walked away with 1st place in the Apprentice Division and was also the top female overall. Not a bad start to the season.

After a quick travel day north to Jensen Beach, I had just enough time to rehydrate, re-bandage my fingers, and regroup before Masters Midwinters East began at the US Sailing Center. The first day of racing brought light, shifty breeze and tricky tactical calls. We got a few races in before the breeze vanished — leading to a full bye day with no wind mid-event. Honestly? I didn’t mind. My body needed the break, and it gave me time to refocus.

Despite the lighter conditions, I kept the momentum going and was again top Apprentice and top female finisher in a strong fleet. I’m proud of how I stayed sharp and adaptable across very different conditions — and even prouder to be racing at this level again.

These two events were both key qualifiers for the ILCA Masters World Championship — and with my results, I’m hopeful I’ve secured a spot. The official invites are expected to land in late May or early June, and you better believe I’ll be glued to my inbox when they do.

This trip was also a milestone personally — it was the first time I’ve traveled solo for a regatta in a long time. As much as I appreciated the quiet evenings and the chance to focus fully on racing, I missed my little crew more than I expected. My kids are usually the ones handing me gear, chasing dock crabs, and cheering from shore. This time, it was just me and the boat — and while it felt empowering, it also made me appreciate their presence in a whole new way.

Florida reminded me why I’m doing this: because I love it, because it challenges me, and because I want to show my kids what it looks like to chase something big.

Next up: District 24 Champs, North Americans, Pacific Coast Championships, and the Olympic Classes Regatta — all building (hopefully) toward the ILCA Masters Worlds in Italy this September.