Winter 2025

Local Teens Compete Against Adults in Major Sailing Events B Y B R E T T WI L BUR A group of 15-year-old girls from the Monterey area, with the guidance of their coach and mentor Maya Hoffman, are tak- ing their sailing skills to the next level. Based out of the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club (MPYC), the young ladies have started competing in events around the country. Sponsored by MPYC along with the Monterey Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation and the Shields Class Foundation, the group, along with New Jersey based Lyzz Schwegler (who was the mainsail trimmer in the race), recently competed in their second Shields Nationals in Massachusetts. “I’ve been coaching the girls since they were young,” Hoffman says. “They are getting more GSR½HIRX ERH WOMPPIH IEGL ]IEV 8LI] EVI SR E huge upward trajectory.” The teens consist of June Emerson, who serves as skipper/helmswoman; Rosie Savukinas, who manages the foredeck and jib trim, (and was also responsible for writing the proposals to get funding to race); and Lyric Gomez, who handles the jib trim and pit. “It’s a life changing experience for them, rac- ing a 30-foot sloop against some of the most skilled sailors in the country,” Hoffman says. ±8LI] LEZI WS QYGL QSVI GSR½HIRGI RS[© I was just there to make sure they did it safely.” For information on the Junior Sailing Program at the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, call 831/372-9686 or visit www.mpyc.org . SHORT CUTS AT LARGE (From left) 15-year-old sailors Rosie Savukinas, Lyric Gomez and June Emerson with Coach Maya Hoffman are competing in events around the country. 94 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall