Who are we?

We are a coed student-run club college sailing team at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

Who can join the team?

We are a part of Bates Athletics, where we operate as a club sport, meaning that any Bates student is welcome to join our team.

Where do we sail?

We sail at Taylor Pond Yacht Club, which is a short 12-minute drive across the Androscoggin River from Bates.

What do we sail?

Bates Sailing owns 14 collegiate-spec Flying Juniors (FJs), which are 13 feet long and hold two people. The FJ is the most common boat in New England for college sailing.

When do we practice?

The fall season begins with the start of the school year and ends after daylight savings time (early November). Our spring practice season is in April and May (the start date is ice-dependent).

In the fall and spring seasons, we practice on Taylor Pond Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM or sundown (whichever is earlier).

Do I need to buy sailing gear?

Bates Sailing can provide you with the most important piece of gear: a US Coast Guard Level 70/Type III life jacket, and you may already own sailing gear (like fleece and synthetic layers) and not realize it. The team also has a collection of used gear and drysuits to loan, so if you’re just starting out, please don’t feel the need to buy gear.

Most long-term members of the team end up purchasing some of their own equipment, such as dinghy sailing boots and spray pants. If you have your own life jacket or sailing gear, please bring them with you.

Who coaches the team?

Winner of Auburn, Maine Man of the Year in 2010, Peter Garcia is a local legend and our long-time coach, and he has more on-the-water experience than most sailors could hope to accrue in a lifetime.

Do you race against other schools?

The Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) is the governing body for collegiate sailing in the United States, and we are part of its New England conference (NEISA). NEISA hosts 8 regattas per weekend during the fall season, making it the most active conference of the ICSA.

Bates Sailing competes on the weekends against other college sailing teams across the Northeast. Most events are coed, but some are women-only.

Check out college sailing’s scoring platform, Techscore, to view our results.

Why should I join?

Bates Sailing is the perfect opportunity for any Bates student looking to make friends and have a great time on the water.

From ECON 105 help to sail-trimming tips and team dinners, the team will be there for you. Your teammates will become your best friends and together you’ll create memories you’ll never forget.