Cornell sailing has been making waves across the fall collegiate circuit, with the Big Red competing at multiple regattas and sophomore Gilda Dondona claiming the MAISA Women’s Singlehanded Championship for the second consecutive year. The program’s busy schedule has showcased its depth and ambition as it builds on a historic prior campaign under new leadership.
Dondona’s repeat triumph headlined a packed weekend that saw Cornell competing at three separate events, two of which were hosted on Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York. The Annapolis, Maryland event confirmed Dondona as one of the top singlehanded sailors in the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association, an impressive feat for the Class of 2028 standout.
Closer to home, the Big Red squared off against Hobart and William Smith in a pair of head-to-head competitions. Cornell hosted the Cayuga Clash on Cayuga Lake on Saturday before traveling to Geneva, New York, for the Seneca Showdown on Sunday. The two rivals traded wins across the weekend, demonstrating the competitive parity between the programs on their respective home waters.
The fall season kicked off earlier at Kings Point, where Cornell competed in three regattas hosted by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. That opening weekend set the tone for what has become a demanding and productive autumn schedule.
Looking ahead, Cornell sailing will return to action with the Big Red competing at the Women’s Atlantic Coast Championship Round 1B at Bowdoin in Brunswick, Maine, and the Danmark Trophy at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Both regattas are set to begin on Saturday, October 3.
With Dondona leading the charge and the roster showing strong form across fleet and team racing formats, the Big Red appear well positioned to build on their recent success. New leadership at the helm of the program has injected fresh energy, and the depth of talent on display this fall suggests Cornell sailing could be a force to watch as the season progresses toward championship-level competition.
