The Providence Boat Show, organized by the Newport Exhibition Group, took place at the Providence Convention Center from Thursday, Jan. 29, through Sunday, Feb. 1, and Providence College students were there to represent the College's Sailing Team.

Mary Cullen '10, vice commodore of the sailing team, was in charge of most of PC's involvement in the boat show. "We were there to raise awareness of the new Providence College Sailing Team, expand our newsletter mailing list, and raise money for a new fleet of boats by selling merchandise and taking donations," said Cullen.

"It is an annual event and many people attend on a yearly basis," said Cullen. "People who are looking for good deals on a new boat frequent these kinds of event. The event was open to the public and anyone could come in for an admission fee of $10."

Cullen said that the Sailing Team is hoping to collect enough money to purchase new boats. The team currently owns eight Flying Juniors, and is looking to purchase a new fleet of twelve 420s. Both boats are about 14 feet long, but the team is looking for a thinner, lighter, and updated fleet. "The reason we want to get 420s is because the team feels they are a better training boat and will help us improve more as a team," said Cullen.

Cullen said that the team sold Vineyard Vines belts and bags, with an emphasis on selling the belts. In addition, the team has T-shirts, bumper stickers, patches, rash guards, and flowers that they sold in the past as well.

Patrick Broome '09, commodore of the Sailing Team, said that PC's representation in the boat show was important because it allowed the PC Sailing Team to gain some publicity, especially for alumni who may have been unaware of the team, to create good will with vendors they met at the show, and to gain contacts that will help them in the future. I think the benefits of being a strong and professional presence at the boat show will continue to ripple throughout our entire spring season," said Broome.

                                  

For students interested in joining the PC Sailing Team, Cullen said that no experience is necessary to start. "The sailing team is a club sport," said Cullen. "We are competitive as well. We travel all around New England to compete every weekend from September to early November, and March, right after spring break, to May. We compete against all the schools in our region. There are no divisions, so we sail against varsity teams and other club teams."

"New England is also the most competitive region in the U.S. ," she said. "We also do a few intersectionals where we travel to places such as New York City and Ohio State to compete against colleges around the United States . We usually have 2 to 4 events a weekend and send different team members to each event." Cullen said that the team competes in "regattas," which are sets of races spread over one or two days.

"We do fleet races and team races," said Cullen. "Fleet races are with many boats on the line and you try and beat as many as you can. Team racing is three-on-three, and you must have a winning combination." Cullen said that there are about thirty racing team members and fifty club members that come to the team's learn-to-sail sessions, as well as to social and fundraising events.

"The importance [of the team] is just to have an alternative to the varsity sports that builds determination, work ethic, friendships, and sense of accomplishment on a less demanding scale," said Kingman. "I would encourage students to come and try sailing. It is an experience and sport that is very rewarding. Being on the water can put anyone in a good mood no matter how foul their mood is before they arrive and step into the boat for the day."

Bianca Molta '11, another member of the sailing team, said that sports clubs are a great way to meet new people and try something fun that one might not have ever tried before.

"As a transfer student, the sailing team was one of the best ways I adjusted to PC," said Molta. "I had always wanted to learn to sail and am really fortunate to have had the unique opportunity at PC. It is such a great team."

"I think it is important for Providence College to have a sailing team because so much of what a Providence College student learns is learned outside of the classroom," said Broome. "PC strives to create well-rounded graduates. The sailing team allows its members to develop relationships, experience leadership and management roles, visit other schools and their students on a weekly basis, and push themselves to excel not only in the classroom but on the water as well."