UH draws bead on national titles

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

"We all have a different program and being small works for her," Renee DeCurtis, left, says of her sailing partner Jennifer Warnock, right. "Being tall works for me." The two will compete at nationals in Oregon. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association Spring Championships Where: Cascade Locks (Marine Park), Oregon Tomorrow-Friday: ICSA Women's North American Dinghy Championship Sunday-June 1: ICSA/Layline North American Team Race Championship June 2-4: ICSA/Gill North American Dinghy Championship UH Rankings: Coed No. 3, Rainbow Wahine No. 7

"Pound for pound, sailor for sailor, this is the best team we've had in the history of our program," Johnson said. "All three teams have a great chance of winning."

In his sport, winning could come down to an ounce or two, depending on the breeze in the Columbia River Gorge the next two weeks. That does not weigh heavily on Johnson's mind.

His teams came back from the brink of ranking extinction during the season to win the Pacific Coast Championships a few weeks ago and qualify for nationals. The coed team, which was national runner-up last year, is ranked third as it blows into one of the world's most scenic windsurfing sites. The Rainbow Wahine are seventh.

Both are legitimate contenders for a national title, along with the team racing contingent, according to Johnson.

"It's like any other sport," he says. "You've got to be able to be in it to the end, and hope you get a break or two to make it happen. If you're good enough to be in the top five, you're good enough to win."

Back in 2001, the Rainbow Wahine did win. Jennifer Warnock and Renee DeCurtis were freshmen on that team. Now, the 5-foot Warnock and 5-9 DeCurtis are the Rainbow Wahine's salt-and-pepper skippers.

"We all have a different program and being small works for her," DeCurtis says. "Being tall works for me."

Warnock's diminutive presence gives UH a unique look. When she became Hawai'i's second wahine All-American last year (after Molly O'Bryan), she appeared menehune-like in the lineup of long, lean sailors being honored.

In the boat, Warnock makes for an imposing presence. "She gets in any boat and makes it go faster," Johnson says.

"She's just a really good all-around sailor," DeCurtis adds. "She's been sailing since she was a little girl. And, she has really good qualities about making sure everyone feels they are part of the team."

Like Warnock, DeCurtis grew up sailing in California. Their technique is enhanced by an innate feel for the water and wind. Their optimism is fueled by the cohesion they have helped nurture.

"Last year we wanted to win again. We thought we had enough, but the team was just not there," Warnock says. "This year it's completely together."

She gives DeCurtis much of the credit. "She's firm on the water; doesn't let people slide by, which is a good trait," Warnock says. "But she's also got a positive attitude toward teamwork. She's been the inspiration for team-building. Without her, we can't do it."

In previous years, Hawai'i has traveled to nationals with one or two crews for their skippers. This year, Johnson is taking five for the Rainbow Wahine.

Warnock will work with Cassandra Harris, Shandy Buckley or Blaire Ladd — all underclassmen — depending on the wind. The goal is to get the boat as "flat" as possible.

"Flatter goes faster," explains Warnock, whose crews balance her 115-pound frame. Heavier sailors are better in bigger breeze.

DeCurtis will have Maui's Sarah Reed with her if the breeze is up to 15 knots. Freshman B.J. Clausen, from Oakland, will jump in if it blows harder.

Johnson is leaving nothing to chance, or the elements.

"Maybe it was a surprise to the district and country when we won all three Pacific Coast championships," he says. "But not us. All along we knew we had it in us."

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.