Eighth Grader Will Compete in International Regatta

Kathryn Hall, an eighth grader at The Agnes Irwin School, was chosen by the U.S. Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) as the top female sailor to compete in the 2013 European Optimist Championship, a four-day regatta on Lake Balaton in Hungary. 

"It takes a tremendous amount of strength and endurance to keep up with the competitors, especially the boys! Being the top U.S. female sailor means all of my hard work has really paid off," Hall is quoted in a press release.

Hall began competitive racing at age 12.

“The lake will offer oscillating, persistent and geographic wind shifts for the more experienced sailors,” said Hall's mother, Lisa. “Such conditions present a greater challenge than sailing on open water.”  

According to a press release, Hall's year-round preparation for the competition is "vigorous, including regular workouts and traveling each weekend to Long Island, NY or Annapolis, MD to sail."

She also played on the tennis, squash and lacrosse teams and served as the Student Council athletic representative for her eighth grade year.

Beginning June 29, you can track Hall and other 2013 European Optimist Championship competitors through live GPS race tracking and replays provided online.