BRISTOL, R.I. – In what will be a year like any other, the Roger Williams University Sailing team will be captained by seniors Spencer Cartwright (Nassau, Bahamas) and Emily Gildea (Palos Park, Ill.).
 
Cartwright, a returning captain, and Gildea, new to the leadership role this year, are ready to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead this year.  The two sailed together almost exclusively their freshman year but have since gone on to sail with other teammates. They have been invaluable starters on the team the last two years.
 
Cartwright, an Engineering major, skippered at A Division during the truncated 2019-20 season while Gildea, a Finance major who spent this summer working in the RWU C.A.F.E. program, has been the B Division crew sailing with many skippers. They will lead the team of approximately 25 sailors from around the country, the Caribbean Islands, and Japan.
 
"Spencer really grew a lot in his role as co-captain this past year," commented Coach Callahan. "He's been great at motivating his teammates and keeping them accountable, while also pushing himself to get better. I know the experience and insight he gained will really help the team thrive in this pandemic athletic environment."
 
"Throughout her three years, Emily has brought an incredibly disciplined and conscientious approach to the team. She brings thought-provoking questions to almost every debrief which allow her and her teammates to grow their sailing knowledge quickly. Emily also leads by example on and off the water; she has been one of the highest performing sailors academically and in our fitness tests."
 
The captain selection process involves a formal application process with a cover letter and resume, followed by interviews with the coaches and any graduating captains. The team also has a chance to offer their feedback on the candidates. Coach Callahan said, "Being Captain of the team is like having a job and we treat the process like a job interview. Through the selection process, we try to prepare our student-athletes for real world interviews and life after college."
 
The Fall season remains in limbo, but the Intercollegiate Sailing Association has announced that the Fall Championships (The LaserPerformance College Sailing Men's & Women's Singlehanded National Championships and College Sailing Match Racing National Championship) have been suspended and will be rescheduled for Spring 2021. Additionally, no out of conference regattas will happen this fall.