Tabor Sailing National Champions

Tabor Academy's sailing team had a memorable weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they earned the High School Keelboat National Championship. The competition brought together the top 10 schools from across the country, determined through a series of regional qualifiers. Tabor’s sailors showed great skill, focus, and teamwork, ultimately securing the program's first national title since 2011.

The winning team, comprised of Peter Herlihy ’25, Maria Castle ’25, Eliza Corral ’25, and Jack Spillane ’25, sailed with precision and consistency throughout the event. Their commanding victory reflected not only their technical expertise but also the preparation and resilience developed over an outstanding fall season. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of these four sailors,” says Head Coach Andy Cornah, “but it also belongs to the entire team. The commitment of every member, including those who trained alongside them, was instrumental in reaching this milestone.”

This championship win marks the culmination of a historic season for Tabor Sailing, further cementing its reputation as a leader in high school sailing. Throughout the fall, the team achieved standout victories and expanded their training horizons.

The season began with a strong showing at the Healy Trophy, where Perrin Mueller ’26 defended her New England ILCA 6 Girls title—earned in the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) 6 division, a competitive single-handed sailing category—with Elinor Grant ’27 placing second. Grayden Mott ’25 secured a second-place finish in the boys’ division. All three earned spots at the prestigious High School Singlehanded Nationals (The Cressy) in Florida, showcasing the depth of Tabor's ILCA squad.

In late September, the team delivered a crucial victory at the New England Keelboat Qualifiers in Portland, Maine, earning their ticket to Nationals. The senior powerhouse sailors—Herlihy, Spillane, Castle, and Corral—showed poise and composure, particularly during a redress hearing that ultimately secured their first-place finish. This success set the stage for what would become an exceptional season.

The team continued to shine at the Gleekman Trophy, an Atlantic Coast Championship qualifier, where Tabor dominated the competitive 18-school field. With an average finish of 3.8 points per race, the team sailed to victory with a comfortable 17-point lead. Further success followed at the Duxbury Bay Fall Invitational, where Castle and Lilly Menyhart ’28 excelled in B Division, and Patrick Tomlinson ’28 and Will Brooks ’28 posted stellar results in A Division. The team clinched another decisive win with a 17-point margin.

As the season progressed, Tabor Sailing embraced innovation and new challenges. The addition of J22 keelboats—loaned by Hyannis Yacht Club—allowed sailors to refine their skills in a new class of boat, while the program’s Foiling Week brought cutting-edge foiling technology to campus. Over three days, sailors trained on Waszps provided by WeCANFoil, pushing the limits of speed and adaptability on the water.

The team wrapped up the fall season with solid showings at the Atlantic Coast Championships in Annapolis and The Cressy Championships in Florida. Mueller’s third-place podium finish at The Cressy was a highlight, demonstrating her growth and ability to compete at the highest level.

This season of success has been guided by Head Coach Andy Cornah, whose leadership has been transformative for the program. Cornah, who joined Tabor as Director of Waterfront and Head Sailing Coach in 2023, brought extensive experience and a vision for developing a world-class high school sailing program.  

For the Seawolves, this national championship is more than a single victory—it is a symbol of the program's ongoing evolution. From standout performances across New England to success on the national stage, Tabor continues to redefine what is possible in high school sailing.

"This is a major milestone for our program and a breakthrough moment for our team," says Cornah. "We are proud of the work our sailors have put in, and we're excited to build on this success as we look to the future."

Tabor Sailing's growing legacy—defined by teamwork, innovation, and a pursuit of excellence—continues to position the program among the nation's best. To learn more about sailing at Tabor, contact Coach Cornah or the admissions office.