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Sydney Smith/Christopher Newport University Athletics
Just months after announcing it would end its sailing program, Christopher Newport University has reversed course.
University leaders announced Wednesday that the co-ed and women's varsity sailing program has been reinstated, effective immediately, after a successful fundraising campaign led by The Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation.
The decision means the Captains will return to competition this fall.
In a message to the campus community, CNU President William G. Kelly said the program's return was made possible by the "extraordinary leadership and generosity" of the foundation, sailing alumni, families and supporters.
"Their efforts have secured the resources necessary to sustain the program and I look forward to working with the Foundation as we set a course for the future of CNU sailing," Kelly said.
The announcement comes after the university said several months ago that it would discontinue sailing at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, citing financial challenges and declining participation. At the time, school leaders said the move followed "great deliberation" and was made in the long-term interest of the university.
The decision sparked disappointment among current and former sailors, alumni and supporters. Since then, the Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation launched a fundraising effort to keep the program afloat.
Kelly acknowledged that community response in his latest message.
"Earlier this year, I made the difficult decision to discontinue varsity sailing based on the financial realities of sustaining the program and declining participation," he wrote. "What followed was an extraordinary demonstration of the power of the CNU community. Alumni and supporters stepped forward with renewed energy, a sustainable funding model, and a shared commitment to rebuilding the program for future generations of Captains."
As part of the program's return, CNU announced several additional steps:
- The university will conduct an independent gender equity review of its athletics program over the next year and develop a Gender Equity Plan by Aug. 30, 2027.
- CNU alumna Kate Gomes will serve as interim head coach while the university conducts a national search for a permanent coach.
- Recruitment of new student-athletes will begin immediately, with several returning sailors expected to anchor the team.
Kelly said the university is committed to providing the coaching, equipment and resources necessary for the co-ed and women's sailing teams to compete at the intercollegiate level.
"This is a decision I am genuinely pleased to reverse, and I look forward to cheering on our sailors as they once again proudly represent Christopher Newport University," Kelly wrote.
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