Monhegan Awaits: Maine Maritime Academy Launches Dual Crews Into the Fray
This year, Maine Maritime Academy will be fielding two teams in the Monhegan Island Race, sailing aboard Temptress and Abu. MMA is no stranger to this storied race, and in 2025 they’ll be going head-to-head with five seasoned crews: Orange Whip, Waterwitch, Heat Wave, Wild Blue, and Koloa Maoli. The goal is not just competition, it’s about inspiring and challenging other regional college sailing programs to make the Monhegan Island Race a hallmark event that launches the fall sailing season for years to come.
The School and The Club
Maine Maritime Academy, located in Castine, Maine, is a nationally recognized college specializing in maritime education, engineering, management, and science. Among its standout programs is the Maine Maritime Sailing Team, a competitive and accomplished collegiate sailing program.
From modest beginnings in the 1960s, when students trained in makeshift sailboats, the sailing team has grown into a dominant force in both offshore and dinghy racing. Early support from donors helped establish a competitive fleet and facilities, propelling MMA into the top ranks of the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association (NEISA). By the 1980s, the team was regularly competing against Ivy League and military academies, earning respect for its grit and performance.
With a rich tradition of seamanship, leadership, and teamwork, the Maine Maritime Sailing Team continues to train elite student-athletes who represent the Academy with skill and integrity on waters around the world.
This Year’s Two Teams
The MMA Sailing team travels around the country competing at the highest levels of college sailing. Recent success in the “Big Boat” format includes winning the Port of LA Harbor Cup in 2024, and qualifying for the two most recent editions of the Kennedy Cup at the US Naval Academy.
We have sailors from Seattle, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland and from all points up and down the coast of Maine.
Meet the Crew of Temptress - a powerhouse team forged from grit, skill, and a passion for the sea. Hailing from across the U.S., they bring with them tales of Arctic expeditions, national races, and fierce leadership on and off the water. Together, they're not just racing, they're redefining what a sailing crew can be.
Patrick – From Cleveland, OH, Patrick stands as Temptress's Safety Officer. A seasoned MMA Head Coach, he brings discipline, precision, and strength to every maneuver on deck.
Isaac – The Skipper and helmsman from South Bristol, ME, Isaac is a Marine Engineering Technology major who commands both dinghies and “big boats” with equal ease. A tactical mind and steady hand at the helm.
Drake – Our Navigator and Bowman from Middleton, Wisconsin. An Arctic sailor aboard the schooner Bowdoin and a seasoned tactician, Drake brings polar grit and sharp instincts to the bow.
Nicho – Based in Yarmouth, ME, Nicho works the Pit and helm. A dinghy ace, Colgate skipper, published poet, and former Student Government President. He studies Ocean Studies and Small Vessel Operations with unmatched passion.
Jane – From Portland, ME, Jane trims sails and helms with finesse. A dinghy and “big boat” standout, she set sail on the iconic 12-Meter Intrepid out of Newport this summer.
Griffin – The crew’s Mast and Captain from Arundel, ME. A Marine Systems Engineering student and volunteer paramedic, Griffin leads with steady resolve and tactical foresight.
Simone – A fearless trimmer from Seattle, WA. A dinghy racer with grit, she completed the grueling Race to Alaska as part of the youngest team to ever do it.
Israel – The Floater from Hobe Sound, FL. A skilled dinghy skipper and adaptive sailing instructor, Israel majors in Marine Transport Operations and brings agility and versatility to every position.
Together, they are Temptress, not just a racing crew, but a force on the water.
Introducing the Crew of Abu - a tight-knit, high-octane trio with deep roots in tradition, leadership, and adventure. From the rugged coastlines of Maine to the racing circuits of the Atlantic, these sailors bring bold vision, seasoned skill, and serious ambition to every nautical mile.
Will – Hailing from North Carolina, Will serves as Abu’s Safety Officer and Sailing Master. Former captain of the legendary schooner Bowdoin, he commands with calm authority, hard-earned wisdom, and MMA grit.
Henri – From Hull, Massachusetts, Henri is the Skipper and tactical heart of the team. A former team captain and top-ranked dinghy skipper, this “super senior” has his sights set on the Mini Transat—proving he’s not just racing now, but preparing for the solo stage ahead.
Teo – The team’s Navigator, Teo comes from Bremen, Maine, with salt in his blood and Monhegan in his soul. A Marine Transport Operations major and descendant of Hardy Boat legends, his course plotting is shaped by generations of seafaring knowledge and a passion for the islands he calls home.
Together, this crew doesn’t just sail Abu, they drive her with legacy, precision, and a hunger for the horizon.
The Temptress and Abu
Temptress was donated to the academy 3 years ago and went through a refit this past winter in our shop. Jim Taylor’s boats have a strong presence on the coast of Maine including our fleet of Colgate 26’s that we train with. The academy had a sistership to Temptress named Shearness a while back, and the boat was well liked by all who sailed her. The Taylor 41 has a very similar profile to the Colgates, so Temptress fits in well as a part of our fleet. She has a great PHRF racing pedigree, and we are looking to continue Temptress’ winning ways.
Abu came to us from Rich Wilson and the CORC. We dreamed of having a pair of Figaros for years and last year our dream came true. We are super excited about these boats and are looking to use them to train up the next generation of offshore sailors.
We Will Meet The Challenge
Facing off against seasoned competition is exactly what makes this race so thrilling. Last year, we saw firsthand just how many sharp, experienced veterans are in this fleet and they absolutely demand respect. But we’re bringing something powerful to the table: the energy, drive, and grit of youth. Every one of our crew members is a highly skilled dinghy sailor, and that gives us a real edge. Dinghy sailing builds instinct, feel, and razor-sharp wind awareness. It’s no coincidence that nearly every world-class sailor started in small boats, we’re tapping into that same foundation.
Monhegan Island Race as an annual tradition
The Monhegan Race is quickly becoming a cornerstone tradition for MMA Sailing and we’re all in. Last year, we showed up with one boat. This year, we’re doubling down and sending two. Everyone who raced in 2024 was hooked, and those who missed it knew they’d missed something special. The Monhegan Race and MMA Sailing are woven into the fabric of Maine’s sailing culture, they go together like lobster and butter. And by testing ourselves against top-tier teams like Orange Whip, Wild Blue, and Gremlin, we’re sharpening our edge and setting our sights on the biggest prizes in college sailing!
The Challenge For 2026!
To all regional college and maritime academy sailing teams: The Monhegan Race is the weekend to kick off our fall season right. Great competition, real offshore experience, and a chance to set the tone for the year. Who’s up for the challenge?
Written by WLS