Mount Pleasant Magazine 6.4

Yorktown. The kids wore lifejackets with school emblems

ironed onto the backs – a spartan helmet, a mustang, a

crimson “W.” They unfurled their sails and floated to the

course along Crab Bank. Bestoso felt confident.

“Any time you’re hosting an event, you’re advantaged.

Not only do you know the waters, but you feel more

comfortable. You’re not waking up in a hotel room and

driving to a place you’re unfamiliar with. It’s a good feeling

to do it at home,” she said.

“Last year it was a South Points team that won; it

was someone from our district. I’m not going to say we

can win a national championship, but knowing that our

district can be on top gives me hope.”

The parents had brought lawn chairs and they collapsed

them along the shore. Through binoculars they found the

boat they were rooting for.

“We’re number 17,” one parent said to another. “We

just tacked. And it looks like we just extended our lead by

three – maybe four.”

The boats swerved around buoys throughout Saturday

and Sunday sessions. When the regatta ended, Wando

had finished in ninth place among 20 teams, not bad

for a group that three years ago was struggling through

divisionals. The sailors were elated.

Asked about the future of her kids, Coach Bestoso

beamed with pride: “This is the second year in a row we’ve

made it to nationals. I’m pretty sure there are many more

to come.”