Ben McKissick-Hawley, Alfonso Garcia Bringas, and Scott Rasmussen all competed at the collegiate level from 2016 to 2020. Alfonso and Ben were roommates at Jacksonville University, where Alfonso was the A skipper, and Ben often crewed for him at windy regattas. Scott attended Boston College, where he won the Men’s Singlehanded Nationals his freshman year. Scott was also a talented skipper in the FJ and 420, and notably was a windy crew for Erika Reineke, who recently represented the US at the Paris Olympics. Alfonso won A division at college nationals during his extra year of eligibility following COVID, leading JU to a third-place overall finish, and landing himself an All-American honor—a goal he had been pursuing since his freshman year.

After college, Ben and Alfonso went their separate ways, but always remained in touch. Alfonso took up an engineering job, and Ben took over as the sailing director for a program in Melbourne, FL. Ben was in search of an additional coach at his program, and Alfonso recommended Scott, who happened to be living not too far from where Ben was running his program. Scott was a great addition to the program as a Laser/420 coach, and he and Ben became friends. After three years at their respective jobs, Ben and Alfonso ended up back at JU as roommates once again, this time as Assistant Coaches, while also pursuing master’s degrees. Scott now works for his family’s business in the aviation industry and is a competitive sailor in the VX One class and has competitively raced 49ers as well.

“Somehow, the Wild Oyster was the first regatta I’ve ever done with Scott. This was also only the second regatta that I’ve competed in with—instead of against—Alfonso since college. I was really lucky to have both of these guys on board with me as they are great sailors and focused competitors. We didn’t get the result we were looking for, but we learned a lot and definitely improved. I’m grateful to have sailed a Lightning all summer and to now have this grant boat. It has given me the opportunity to reconnect and compete with so many great friends.” – Ben