The team practices at Jackson Park Yacht Club, where the weather on Lake Michigan changes fast. Head instructor Mr. Robert Szyman ’65 said that even with some practices canceled because of strong winds and rain that the team has stuck to it.

“The boats we use have two sailors, a skipper and a crew member so there has to be teamwork,” Szyman said. “The older sailors have done a great job helping the freshmen, because they know those new guys are the future of the team.”

Mr. Szyman said he’s been proud of how much the sailors have grown this year. And was really excited to see the team play over this past weekend. “We focus on their accomplishments and how they can improve,” he said. “The best part is seeing the older guys lead and watching the freshmen gain confidence.”

Cold winds and rough water did not stop the Mount Carmel sailing team from feeling excited about their biggest race of the season, the Spooktacular Regatta. The event took place November 1 and 2 at the Chicago Yacht Club in Belmont Harbor, where the Caravan had raced against teams from schools like Loyola Academy, Fenwick, St. Ignatius, and New Trier.

This past weekend’s regatta is the team’s only official race of the season, which makes it even more important. “It’s our one big chance to show what we’ve learned,” Szyman said prior to the competition. “We want sailing  to be a lasting part of Mount Carmel athletics. We even hope to start a youth sailing camp for younger kids in the future.”

Junior sailor Wyatt Knight had been waiting for this moment since he’s been on the team. “This is our first season racing against other schools,” Knight said. “We’ve been building this program for the past two years, and now we finally get to prove ourselves.”

Prior to the regatta, Knight said he was most excited to compete against Fenwick and St. Ignatius. “We’ve scrimmaged Fenwick before, and they’ve beaten us a lot,” he said. “It’d be great to show them how much we’ve improved.” Sailing can be tough, especially when the weather turns bad, but Knight believes that experience helps him stay calm. “I’ve sailed in rougher conditions before,” he said. “You just stay focused and remember what you’ve learned. It’s peaceful being out on the water, it’s not like other sports.”

Sophomore Timothy Carter said his was to stay calm, and to help his team however he can.

“I just want to do my best and stay calm so we can race well,” Carter said. “We all want to win this race and make Mount Carmel proud.”

Mr. Szyman said one word to sum up his outlook for the season is “promising.” With strong teamwork, growing skills, and. dedication, the MC sailing team is ready to face whatever Lake Michigan throws at them during the Spooktacular Regatta.

The team had sailed pretty well and finished ahead of boats from St. Ignatius, Walter Payton, and Loyola. They were able to place 9th in the regatta which wasn’t what the team was aiming for, but still it was their first regatta.

“The sailors in the boats that finished ahead of Caravan Sailing boats more than likely have been sailing and competing since elementary school,” said Mr. Szyman afterward. “Tough to beat.” He also noted that the Caravan rotated six sailors in their two boats across the various races during the competition and that MC might have placed more highly if the crews were consistent across the races over the two-day event since communication and teamwork are so important to good performance.

With the team getting its first regatta under its belt, the Caravan know what they need to have more success in the next competition and is excited for what’s to come.

“I was proud of what I accomplished and I was just overall happy that I was able to participate in the regatta,” said Knight.