TAMPA, Fla. (February 12, 2026) – The University of South Florida sailing team opens its 2026 spring season at the SAISA Top 6 Women's Fleet Race and Team Race, hosted by the College of Charleston on February 14-15. The regatta features the top six-ranked teams in the SAISA conference.
 
In order of the current rankings, the field includes host College of Charleston, USF, Rollins, NC State, Jacksonville University, and Clemson.
 
Saturday's competition will consist of a three-division fleet race. Starting in A division for the Bulls will be junior Kailey Warrior and senior Madisen Hamai. In B division, junior Ghislaine van Empel and senior Cate Brennan will represent South Florida, while sophomore Grace Jones and senior Melissa Janes will compete in C division.
 
"The strength of our USF squad lies in its depth of talent, and the three-division format provides an opportunity for the Bulls to showcase that versatility across the board," said Head Coach Allison Jolly. "This regatta should be an excellent indicator of how the Bulls spring season is shaping up. "
 
Sunday shifts to a team racing format, where the same six sailors will combine efforts against six-sailor teams from each competing program. After multiple round-robins, the team with the best overall won-loss record will claim the title.
 
The regatta serves as an early-season measuring stick and should provide a strong indicator of how the Bulls' spring campaign is shaping up, ultimately building toward the SAISA Women's Team Race and Fleet Race Championships, which will be hosted by USF April 10-12.
 
South Florida's spring schedule features a competitive slate of conference championships, premier regattas, and a national championship appearance to close out the season.
 
Following opening weekend, the Bulls will host the USF Women's Team Race on February 21-22 in Tampa. USF then competes at the Mendelblatt Team Race (February 28-March 1) before heading into March for the Jen Harris Women's Team Race (March 7-8).
 
Mid-March includes the Bud Morrow Women's Team Race and the St. Mary's Women's Fleet Race (March 14-15), followed by the St. John's Women's Team Race (March 21-22).
 
The regular season intensifies March 28-29 with the SAISA Women's Top 9 Fleet Race and the Vietor Trophy Fleet Race. USF wraps up regular-season competition April 4-5 at the Emily Wick Fleet Race.
 
Championship season begins April 10-12 as USF will host the SAISA Women's Team Race and Fleet Race Championships in St. Petersburg. The season culminates May 15-18 as the Bulls will serve as the hosts for the College Sailing Women's Fleet Racing National Championships for the first time since 2013, where South Florida will compete against the nation's elite for a national title at the SkyBeach Resort in St. Peterburg.
 
With a balanced schedule of team and fleet racing events, the Bulls are poised for a competitive and exciting spring on the water.