Sailing (Coed) | 9/23/2025 10:14:00 AM

Cathedral Catholic's varsity sailing team launched its 2025 season in style on Saturday, competing in the PCISA Keelboat Qualifier on the San Diego waterfront. Against a strong fleet and in challenging, shifting conditions, the Dons delivered a strong performance to finish 4th overall.

The team comprised of siblings — Owen Fretwell '26, Carlin Fretwell '26, William Kaseburg '26, and Sean Kaseburg '28 — showed poise and consistency throughout the day. Their ability to adjust to the changing conditions and work together as a unit stood out in their season opener.

Race Day Conditions
Saturday's regatta featured nearly perfect weather but presented dynamic racing challenges. After a 30-minute postponement to let the breeze build, racing started just after noon along the San Diego city front. The first two races were sailed in 9 knots of wind on a 300-degree course, giving teams a chance to find their rhythm.

As the afternoon went on, the wind steadily increased to 10-12 knots, with gusts reaching mid-teens (up to 16 knots). The course was adjusted to a 290-degree axis, and teams had to navigate regular shifts of about 15 degrees in either direction — a true test of tactics and boat handling. The final race of the day saw the breeze ease slightly back down to 8–10 knots, concluding a full and varied day of competition.

Looking Ahead
Head Coach Diego praised the team's effort, emphasizing their adaptability and communication under pressure. With this strong start to the year, the Dons are eager to build momentum as they go through the 2025-26 season.