Athlete of the Issue

Cherished moments spent on water

Giovanna Feitoza | Staff Reporter

Warm summer days in Florida are meant to be spent on the water. A breeze in the sails and friends to share the sunshine make up the perfect day for a first-time high school sailor.

As senior Alex Patangan sails into his final season in Bishop Kenny Sailing, he reminisces on the memories he has made over the past four years.

Patangan has sailed throughout high school and was named captain of the BK sailing team during the fall season this school year.

Patangan recalled following in the footsteps of both friends and family, specifically, his older brother and his friends whom he calls his main inspiration for joining.

“I had a lot of friends who did it…they were always able to travel a lot,” Patangan said. “They would always tell me about the people they met and the places they went around the country.”

Patangan described traveling as one of his favorite parts of participating in regattas, or racing meets. His favorite regatta location so far is Charleston, S.C.

“I’ve gotten to meet people from all over the country,” Patangan said. “Some of my friends are from North Carolina, and I have a few friends from the Northeast, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands.”

He was inspired by the experiences and goals each new acquaintance had in sailing.

According to his teammates, Patangan makes sailing in rough river waters seem effortless.

Junior Logan Ellzey sails alongside Patangan and regularly observes the captain on the water.

“He always seems concentrated and always looking ahead,” Ellzey said.

Ellzey and Patangan described an average practice day, starting with a relaxed hour of socializing while sailors begin rigging their sailboats, followed by a team briefing.

“Once we’re out on the water, we do a bunch of drills and practice races,” Patangan said.

But when it comes time for his first semester of college in the fall, Patangan plans to focus on “academics first, and then see if [he wants] to do sailing.”

Although he has given thought to pursuing sailing in college, Patangan remains undecided on the idea. First, he plans to possibly visit Michigan or Chicago this summer for more regattas.

But when it comes time for his first semester of college in the fall, Patangan plans to focus on "academics first, and then see if [he wants] to do sailing."

Graphic by Giovanna Feitoza and Ava Liuzzo

Photo courtesy of Leonard’s Photography