By Jeff Stevens, my02818.com
Monday, 11-09-2009

Matt Gowell, a senior at East Greenwich High School, came from behind to place third out of 18 at the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA) National High School Single-Handed Sailing Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Gowell and several others had mediocre results during the first day's 9 races due to the light winds. Sunday's races were held in stronger winds so he was able to place well in the next 9 races to take third place by 2 points.

Gowell has been a member of the Avenger sailing team for 3 years and was co-captain this season.

Last month, he won the New England Scholastic Sailing Association's regional competition, held in Jamestown, though it took place in the midst of a busy period with college applications and a successful soccer season underway. Winning that regatta led to an invitation to Corpus Christi to compete against the other top sailors of his age in the country.

He was well prepared for this event having spent several of the past winters sailing against the top Laser racers of any age in the country with Fleet 413 in Newport.

The conditions in Corpus Christi were not as frigid as Newport, but the competition was still fierce. Matt rose to the occasion and showed that Rhode Island may be a small state, but it produces sailors with big hearts. "This is the most amazing comeback I think I've ever seen," said Matt's father, Jay Gowell, who flew down to lend support and cheer Matt on.

Jay, who has seen many a regatta over his lifetime of sailing, may be bias in his opinion, but can't be blamed for his enthusism. Sailing provided the basis for a strong bond between his father, who passed away week, and him. Similarly, Matt and Jay will have memories of these races to share forever.