Outer Banks youth sailors make waves with regional regatta victory in South Carolina
This past weekend, a team of young sailors from Hatteras Island and First Flight High School JV teams sailed their way to a first-place win at the Northpoints #7 Regatta in Columbia, South Carolina.
Facing off against 10 established teams from renowned sailing regions like Charleston and Savannah, the Outer Banks team had a lot to prove—and they did just that. The A-team, led by Phillips and eighth-grade crew member Seaton Hawpe, put in a jaw-dropping performance with four outright wins, two second-place finishes, and one third-place finish over seven races. Their stellar results anchored the team to victory.
“When we crossed the finish line in first place, I couldn’t believe it—we were flying!” shared ninth-grader Noah Phillips, skipper of the victorious A-team. “It’s like all our hard work finally paid off. It was such an awesome feeling!”
Meanwhile, the B-team, featuring eighth-grade skipper Eva Randolph and ninth-grade crew Samantha Kline, sailed their strongest regatta yet, chipping in crucial points that helped seal the deal. Together, they brought home the coveted first-place trophy, topping teams with much longer histories in the sport.
Jay Phillips, who not only serves as head coach but is also the visionary founder of Hatteras Community Sailing, summed it up best: “The kids were ecstatic. After years of competing as the underdogs, their perseverance and hard work are finally paying off. This is just the beginning!”
What makes this story even cooler? The bond between these sailors. From cheering each other on between races to celebrating as a crew afterward, it’s clear that camaraderie is their secret weapon. “It’s like being part of a big sailing family,” said Phillips. “That’s what makes it so special.”
Hatteras Community Sailing: A Hub for Growth
Since its start in 2021, Hatteras Community Sailing has been on a mission to make maritime sports accessible and fun for all youth, whether they’re in public school, private school, or homeschooled. Operating out of the Hatteras Sailing Center in Buxton, the nonprofit provides everything from experienced coaching to affordable training programs, all made possible by local sponsors, businesses, and supporters.
Jay Phillips, as the head coach and founder, has been the driving force behind this initiative, nurturing young talent and creating a program that welcomes sailors from all walks of life. With incredible natural resources right here in the Outer Banks, it’s no surprise that kids are discovering their love for the sport.
Vision for the Future
What’s next? The team hopes to grow even bigger, with the dream of fielding full varsity sailing teams at First Flight and Cape Hatteras Secondary High Schools. With so much talent, maybe Outer Banks sailors will soon compete at national and international events.
For now, the focus is on inspiring more teenagers to take the leap and join the team. “If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding over the waves with the wind at your back, this is your chance!” said Phillips. The program welcomes everyone, from total beginners to seasoned sailors looking for a challenge.
A Call to the Community
Sustaining and expanding the program will require more than passion – it needs support. From donations to volunteering, there are plenty of ways to get involved. As Phillips puts it, “This victory shows what we can achieve together as a community. Let’s keep it going!”
Hatteras Island Sailing would also like to give a big thank you to the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission for their contribution to the team’s travel. Per the organization, their support assisted in this win and the team bringing home the gold to the Outer Banks.
