MIAMI, Fla. – Five current and former Stanford sailors competed at the ISAF World Cup series this past week.
The Sailing World Cup Miami acted as an Olympic qualifier for all 10 Olympic sailing classes for North and South America with 22 nations across both regions sending sailors with one aim--booking a spot for Rio 2016. The World Cup Miami event was the final chance to qualify.
Freshman Russell Clarida, who raced in the 470 division, is optimistic that the experience will go a long way in his young sailing career.
“I was happy to learn from the best,” said Clarida, a native of Southport, Connecticut. “I am excited to apply the lessons I learned from the Olympians here this past week to training and the approaching spring season.”
Sophomore Luke Muller, who competed in the singlehanded Finn class division, is also taking the experience of sailing with the world’s best in stride.
“This regatta was a great test of my improvement over the past year,” said Muller. “I will have to improve my tactical maturity to take me to the next level, but it's a long term process and I'm commited to keeping the emphasis on learning."
Former Cardinal Helena Scutt was also in action, competing in the 49erFX women’s fleet.
“Our main goal was to qualify the United States for the Olympic Games, and we did that,” said Scutt, a 2014 graduate of Stanford. “That was a big relief, but we still need to compete for the spot on team USA.”
Qualification for the Americans will continue at the World Championships in Clearwater, Florida, from Feb. 9-14.
Hans Henken `15 also competed in the men’s 49er fleet racing division, while Marion Lepert was the United States’ second-highest finisher in the RS:X Fleet division (16th).
