ROCKLAND — On Saturday, May 7, five area high school sailing teams gathered at The Apprenticeshop for the annual Team-Race to benefit Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers.

The winds were light ESE from 5-10 with fog at the Breakwater. Though cool and damp, conditions were perfect for team racing, a sport that involves significant strategy and a good knowledge of racing rules. When team racing is done right, even land-lubbers take an interest. The goal is to have your team finish each race with winning combinations and the lowest points. The Apprenticeshop's fleet of fifteen 420 sailing dinghies sailed a total of 30 races between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sailors raced in sets of two teams; six boats. One start was followed shortly by another start for six more boats, putting 12 boats and two races on the course at the same time. The additional team had a 'bye' and rotated in on sets. The Race Committee made up of volunteers Peter Clapp, David Jones, and Mike Horn, along with the mark boats, did a great job adjusting the course quickly with wind shifts throughout the day.

Boothbay High School sailors Nolin Conlin & Nate Graves, Gabby Boorda & Ella Beauregard, Hamilton Barclay & Tommy Thelander and Madison Allen had three wins and nine losses, taking fifth place. They had by far the youngest sailor — in fifth grade — and took the Most Improved Team for the event.

Camden Hills Regional High School sailors Simon Morin & Renaissance Lyman, Hugh Levitt & Erin Dowd, Calvin James & Olivia Goodwin-Cook and Josh Underdown & Emmet Acosta had four wins and eight losses, placing fourth. Team members Hugh Levit and Erin Dowd won the Chris Biggart award for demonstrating the best use of team racing throughout the day. Levit and Dowd held off on finishing, pinning their opponents while communicating to other team members on strategy ensuring good finishes.

Rockland Community Sailing sailors Jesse Dunn & Claudia Fox, Elliot Spear & Hallie MacDougal, Andy Bird & Hannah Chase also had four wins and eight losses tying Camden but winning the tie-break by beating Camden two matches to one, placing third.

Islesboro Central School sailors Emily Lau & Ava Schlottman, Rylee Sienkiewicz & Sophie Lau, along with Camden sailors Thomas McClellan & Amanda Miribile had seven wins and five losses, placing second.

Mount Dessert High School sailors William Ratcliff & Kevin Elk, Christopher Booher & Chloe Vincenty, Kincaid MacCulloch & Lillian Anderson, and Alec Fisichella had 12 wins and no losses, placing first. Mount Desert sailors not only demonstrated excellent sailing but a solid knowledge of team racing and sailing rules.

The matches were tight on the course and many were not decided until just before the finish, with quality racing moves executed by sailors to produce winning combinations. The Hospice Cup ended with a barbecue and awards ceremony.

The Apprenticeshop and Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers wish to acknowledge the local businesses who sponsored the event: Artisan Boatworks, Lyman Morse, Hamilton Marine, Islesboro Marine Enterprises, Johanson Boatworks, Journey's End Marina, Ocean Pursuits Marine Services, Pendleton Yacht Yard and Rockport Marine. And a special thanks go out to the sailors who raced all day to benefit Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers and raised $6,000. Many dedicated volunteers, parents and families of sailors rounded out the day, helping to make the event possible.

Coastal Family Hospice provides volunteer support to Kno-Wal-Lin's hospice patients and their families in Knox and Lincoln counties. Founded in 1979, they are a dedicated group of caring volunteers who believe that the dying deserve companionship, their caregivers deserve respite, and that no one should die alone or grieve alone. Learn more online at coastalfamilyhospice.com

The Apprenticeshop is a school for traditional boatbuilding, seamanship, and sailing, dedicated to inspiring personal growth through craftsmanship, community, and traditions of the sea. Their Community Sailing program offers sailing and seamanship opportunities from March through October for all area youth and adults. Now enrolling for spring after-school sailing and the summer season. For more information, call 207-594-1800 or visit apprenticeshop.org.