Sandusky sailing squad makes history

SANDUSKY — With wind behind their sails and history by their side, members of a history-making local team have their eyes on a top prize. For the first time since 1953, a team from the Sandusky Sailing Club will make an appearance at the Chubb U.S. Youth Triplehanded Championship for the Sears Cup. Beginning Thursday and spanning through Sunday, it'll occur at the renowned St. Francis Yacht Club on San Francisco Bay. History lesson The Sears Cup is known as the oldest youth-based national sailing championship. It draws the top youth sailors from all across the country. First occurring in 1921, what started as a three-person race has now evolved into a four-person team because, over the years, boats have considerably grown in size. Sailors race on keelboats. "A keelboat is a sailboat that has a fixed keel underneath it," according to an event statement, noting "a heavy fin or bulb provides stability and prevents the boat from capsizing easily." The Sears Cup splits up the nation into 11 geographical regions. Only two teams per region, for a total of 22, qualify for the championship. Area E, which encompasses Sandusky, includes an area covering Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, western Pennsylvania and western New York. Locally proud Sandusky's team consists of four teenagers who travel quite a distance to compete for and represent Sandusky: • Cameron Bert, 18, a rising senior at Zeeland West High School in Zeeland, Michigan • Molly Keane, 17, a rising senior at Bay Village High School in Bay Village, Ohio • Charlotte Langolf, 15, a rising sophomore at Bexley High School in Columbus • Hadley Langolf, 17, a rising senior at Bexley; Hadley and Charlotte are sisters. They all frequently travel to Sandusky with their families to sail and enjoy the area. All four teammates said they enjoy what Sandusky has to offer. The foursome earned a berth by winning the Area E qualifier on Sandusky Bay, sailing aboard a J/24 loaned by local sailors Cole Hanley, Michael Palmer and William "Bill" Semans. Excited for the opportunity For the sailors, the journey is both competitive and personal. The team's bond is strengthened by years of shared experiences. "We've all grown up sailing together," Hadley said. "Our parents sail, our friends sail. It's generational. My dad actually said, 'Wouldn't it be cool if you guys were the first Sandusky Sailing Club team to go back since the 1950s?' So we made it happen." Eager to compete, they're also looking forward to visiting San Francisco. "The venue is world-renowned — they hosted the America's Cup there for years," Keane said. "Getting the chance to sail in such a major sailing port, surrounded by incredible sailors, is a really big deal." While the thrill of competition drives the team, it's the friendships formed over the years that make it worth their while. "One of the best parts is seeing people again that we met before and even from a few years ago," Charlotte said. "It's just really fun to reconnect with friends from across the country and see them again in the same environment." Beyond the Sears Cup, the sailors remain active in the sport year-round, competing in high school regattas, national events and long-distance races. Their collective commitment reflects a deep-rooted passion for sailing and a desire to grow within the sport. "It's such a unique sport," Keane said. "You're constantly learning, you're out in nature, and you get to travel and compete with your best friends. That's what keeps us coming back." For the parents, the moment is just as meaningful. "All of these kids come from sailing families," said Brett Langolf, the father of Charlotte and Hadley. "We've all sailed together for years. It's incredible to see the next generation carrying on Sandusky's rich sailing tradition." With a legacy of excellence and a new generation of sailors leading the way, Sandusky Sailing Club is once again making big waves on the national stage. Visit sanduskysailingclub.com to follow the team's journey or learn more about the club's other programs.