Our Crimson Knights

Experienced Lineup Leads Salisbury Sailing Into New Season 

Early spring on Wononskopomuc Lake is an unforgiving time. Frigid temperatures, strong currents, high winds, heavy rain, and even snow are only a few of the challenges Salisbury’s Varsity Sailing team faces during any given practice. And while others seek shelter in these conditions, Head Coach Jennie Barillaro’s squad takes to the open waters and competes against some of the fiercest sailing competition at the high school level. The 2025 installment of the program is a passionate, eager group that is ready to make noise. 

Led by senior captain Harry Hubbard ’25, who comes from a family with a deep sailing legacy, the team relies on strong communication skills and a flexibility to work with others. Hubbard serves as the Knights’ lead skipper—the individual who steers the boat—and is accompanied by ample other experienced sailors. Henry Brislin ’26 can be counted on to do anything that is asked of him. After two years of being primarily a crew member—the individual whose primary focus is adjusting the sails—Brislin has made the leap to skipper. The two are integral to the team’s success not only because of their skills but also their willingness to help their teammates. 

Fellow returners Gavin Leavy ’26 and Finn MacDermott ’26 alternate between crew and skipper depending on the day and are valuable contributors. MacDermott—who excelled on the squash court this winter—has grown to a staggering 6’3” in the last year and is now both the tallest and heaviest sailor on the team. He has attacked the added challenge of navigating the compact boat with open arms. 

They are joined by Ari Marlough ’27 and Nick Root ’27—two sophomores who are ready to perform in their second year with the team. The six sailors form the usual race day lineup, but it must be noted that, due to the unpredictability of the sport—a lighter boat is needed on calmer days and a heavier one on strong wind days—countless others will get meaningful time in the ship. 

That list includes Henry Welch ’26, Bruno Farmerie ’26, and John Long ’26—three returners who are focused on improving each day on the water. The same can be said about newcomers Jack Green ’27, Simon Shi ’27, and Akul Mittal ’25. Coach Barillaro is excited to see what Mittal does in his first—and only—year with the team. She’s noticed a positive trend of senior students trying out the sport in the past. 

The team has a wealth of resources at the coaching level—including two alumni. Will Laidlaw ’84 joined the coaching staff last spring in a part-time role with Salisbury and has played an instrumental role in the team’s success. His work has enabled the team to travel to Florida for preseason sailing—an asset that is invaluable. Fellow Knight Skyler Crawford ’18 makes his return to the team—this time on the coaching side. Coach Crawford sailed for three years while a student at Salisbury. 

With a loaded schedule against many of the premier teams in New England—especially from the Fairfield County area—and unpredictable weather conditions, this season will be one to watch.