Aug. 9, 2007

ST. MARY'S, Md. -- A crew of Midshipmen and Navy Sailing staff on the offshore sailing team, raced the 66-foot Zaraffa in the Maryland Governors' Cup, a 70-mile overnight race from Annapolis to St. Mary's.

The Zaraffa crew completed the course in just under nine hours finishing at early Saturday morning and over an hour ahead of the next boat in her class for a decisive victory in the prestigious event. Instrumental to the victory were the efforts of navigator Elliott Page, who guided the deep draft boat safely to St. Mary's, foredeck Matt Hamlet and mastman Owen Brooks, who led the sail handling team through numerous sail changes during the night.

The team also brought home The Patuxent Partners Award for the best performing boat with two or more military personnel onboard.

# GO NAVY #