Submitted by Pat Blumm

Many Arizona Sailors know my daughter Maggie Blumm. She has been sailing our desert waters for nearly 15 years and is a product of the AYC Juniors and ASF programs, as well as having raced locally in both Buccs and her 420. Recently she was accepted to ASU’s Barrett, the Honors College.

She wanted to participate in ASU’s Sailing Team, but her schedule is very demanding. And when the Team hopped in cars to attend their first regatta of this season, Maggie’s college classes took precedence. She called home and asked if she could drive herself to Mission Bay to ‘try out’ for the team. I said let me drive you; so Friday night we departed on a beautiful full-moon drive to San Diego.

Saturday morning we showed up at the Mission Bay YC docks. Coach Philip Freeman assigned Mags to crew on one of the four FJ’s charted by ASU. Mags walked up to her assigned boat, grabbed the tiller and her crew member then shoved off into a moderate breeze.

Maggie’s starts were a bit anemic, but good golly she was passing one boat after another. Six boats passed one race, eight another; and these were all short w/l races! At a late afternoon shore break, I congratulated Mags on her passing skills, but reminded her it would be a whole lot easier if she better timed front row starts. I even threw in a minor incentive.

Next thing you know she wins the following two starts. Her dad’s wallet is a bit lighter and she is smiling – big time!!

Sunday morning Coach Freeman moved Maggie to ASU’s A-Team. To make a memorable adventure concise, Mags captured one third place amongst 13 teams, which included well funded PacTen teams. All in all, ASU scored a very impressive 4th in the San Diego State sponsored regatta.

The ASU Sailing Team is gelling, building sailing skills and confidence. Their next inter-collegiate regatta is this month in Santa Barbara. Go Sun Devils!

Maggie would not be where she is at without the support, skills and attitude she learned sailing with AYC and ASF. A special thanks to all AYC and ASF sailors who have assisted Maggie in fulfilling her dream of becoming the best sailor she can be.