Aloha: Sailing in paradise                                                                                                  
Jon Allred, Sports Editor   
                                                                                                                               
There are many different words that can describe Hawaii but none come closer than “paradise.”  The scenery is breathtaking as the deep turquoises water, sparkling sand on the beaches, swaying palm trees, beautiful sunsets and lush tropical plants leave tourists and natives speechless.
On the weekend of April 28, Hawaii will be the site of the 2007 Pacific Coast Coed Sailing Championships (PCCSC) where the CSU Monterey Bay sailing team will look to continue their historical and magical season by qualifying for nationals.  To do that, the Otters will have to finish fifth or better at the PCCSC championships, which will combine schools from both the North and South divisions.
“I don’t want to jinx anything but that would certainly be our goal,” said junior crew Chelsea Bell in an interview with the Monterey Herald on April 1.  “From where we were to where we are now, it would be amazing to go to nationals.  It’s hard to even put into words.”
The Otters qualifying for nationals would indeed be a milestone for the team when considering that just six months ago, the Otters were finishing regatta’s closer to the back of the pack rather than the front.  The team’s highest finish in the North Division was fourth back in 2005 and in that same year, finished ninth at the PCCSC championships.  This year, the Otters finished third overall in the north division, finishing only behind north division winner Stanford and second place Cal Maritime.
The journey towards Hawaii began back in Feb. when the Otters placed second at the Cal Maritime North 1 & 2 Regatta, which was team’s highest finish in school history at the time.  On March 11, Bell and senior skipper Ren Herring made school history as they guided the Otters to their first ever regatta win at the North 4 regatta, an accomplishment made more special due to the fact the event was held in Monterey and was the team’s first time hosting a regatta.
“It was amazing,” said Bell of the regatta win.  “I never expected to leave this university and sport with a full regatta win under my belt. It was a great accomplishment and milestone for the team as a whole.”  Added Herring, “To go out there and beat Stanford and ULCA, top ranked national teams, was a shocker and no one expected it.”
Both Herring and Bell were quick to point out that the reason for the teams success is that everyone has stepped their game up to become more aggressive and competitive while working together as a whole.
Whether or not the Otters qualify for Nationals, no one can take away the historical and magical season they have experienced.  “It has been an extremely fun season, filled with a lot of accomplishments and added interest in the sailing team,” said Bell.  “We have been able to promote CSU Monterey Bay in a competitive light and make the school proud. This season has been an experience that will be unmatched.”