Just months after announcing that it would discontinue varsity sailing, Christopher Newport University has officially reinstated the program.
Christopher Newport Athletics announced that sailing will return effective immediately after a successful fundraising campaign led by The Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Inc. The effort secured the resources needed to sustain both the co-ed and women’s programs, ensuring the Captains will return to the water this fall.
When Sail1Design first covered the story this spring, senior Josh Bendura described the uncertainty facing the team after learning the program would be cut. He noted, “It’s really heartbreaking to see all of the work the team and myself have put in disappear in an instant.”
Now, the future of CNU Sailing looks much different.
In a message to the campus community, President William G. Kelly credited the Foundation, alumni, families, and supporters whose generosity created a sustainable path forward for the program. The University also announced that alumna Kate Gomes ’08 will serve as Interim Head Coach while a national search is conducted for a full-time coach.
Doug Bendura, a CNU sailing parent and one of the organizers behind the effort, thanked the sailing community for its overwhelming support saying, “I am beyond grateful to President Kelly for taking the time to listen to the overwhelming support from the broader sailing community and CNU alumni.” He noted, “the combination of broad support from the sailing community and CNU donors has made this possible. As we all know, sailing is not an inexpensive endeavor, and I encourage all to be supportive of college sailing programs.”
The reinstatement is a testament to what can happen when a sailing community rallies behind a program. Thanks to the efforts of alumni, parents, donors, and supporters, future generations of Captains will once again have the opportunity to compete.
News Flash: As CNU Sailing begins its next chapter, the University has already started its search for a new Head Sailing Coach. The position is now listed on the Sail1Design Job Board—find the listing HERE.
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