Jane Pimentel ’08

Jane took silver in Martin 16 at U.S. Para Sailing Championship in San Diego, CA with her partner Jessica Koenig. They delivered a standout performance at the 2025 U.S. Para Sailing Championship in the Martin 16 class, representing Longshore Sailing School (Westport, CT). Remarkably, this was the team’s first time sailing together—and their first time in the Martin 16—with only one day of practice ahead of the event. The U.S. Para Sailing Championship, organized by US Sailing, brings together the nation’s top adaptive sailors to compete across multiple classes. Widely regarded as the premier national regatta for Para sailing, the  event showcases both great skill and the inclusive spirit of the sport. US Sailing praised Pimentel’s performance, noting that she “demonstrated outstanding poise and tactical skill throughout the series.” Throughout the regatta, Pimentel and Koenig were locked in a tight duel with Michael Lung and Scott Kolb, trading first- and second-place finishes during the opening two days. In the decisive final race, Lung and Kolb pulled ahead on the last windward leg to secure gold, with Pimentel and Koenig finishing just behind to earn silver with 24 points. Looking ahead, Pimentel is eager to build on her success by adding more national and international regattas to her competitive calendar. To support these efforts, she is preparing to launch a fundraising campaign to help cover travel expenses and entry fees, ensuring she can continue to represent adaptive sailing at the highest level. “After stepping away from competitive sailing for ten years, I never imagined I’d find myself back on the racecourse. Joining the para sailing community has been an incredible experience—I’ve been met with such warmth and encouragement. I’m especially grateful to Betsy Alison of US Sailing for reminding me that even with new physical challenges, there is still a place for me in this sport I love.”