It’s that time of year when some 140 local youth start logging in mile after aquatic mile in the quest to become the next Michael Phelps or Missy Franklin—or simply hone their competitive strokes. 

The Sailfish Swim Team kicks off its season hosting the Spooktacular Invitational at the Y in Rockport on October 26 at 1:00 pm. Other teams in attendance will be the Kennebec Valley Stingrays, the Waterville Mid-Maine Dolphins of Waterville YMCA and Ellsworth’s Down East Family YMCA Dolphins.  “It will be a fun, fast day and the Sailfish will definitely be making waves” said Sailfish Head Coach, Hodding Carter who is joined by coaches Patty Libby, Sam Grinnell and Carrie Hedstrom. 

“Being a Maine YMCA swimmer not only develops skills that last a lifetime but also requires long-term dedication and a willingness to tackle challenges head on. Our Sailfish swimmers are an incredible bunch of athletes--from the youngest at 6-years-old to the oldest at 19. And it’s a wonderful treat to get to coach them. This year’s team is clearly our strongest ever with talented depth in every age category and we have many returning state champions. I don’t want to jinx anything but I think we’re going to be shaking things up both in and out of the pool at this year’s state championships” said Carter.

Sue Carleton, Maddie’s grandmother said “Maddie was a bit too fearless. As a toddler, she had jumped into a pool and sunk to the bottom before being rescued. She emerged with a full mouth of water, laughing and wanting more. But her parents knew she needed swimming lessons. Since then, Maddie become a speedy Sailfish Swim Team member as well as enjoying other activities at the Y. And at this year’s YMCA State Championships, her 8 and under relay team placed second in the 100-yard medley relay”.

During the fall-winter season there will be nearly two dozen meets with 16 teams to compete against beginning with the Spooktacular meet and then finishing the regular season with the Y state championships held the first weekend in March 2014.  The Sailfish Team placed 3^rd at the 2013 Maine YMCA Swimming Championships. For those who make the qualifying times, there are the New England YMCA Swimming Championships in the middle of March and the National YMCA Swimming Championships held the first week of April. In addition, the Sailfish Swim Team is a part of USA Swimming, the official governing body and league for United States swimming, and competes in USA Swimming meets throughout the year.

It’s not too late to be a part of this incredible team - the Sailfish are still accepting new swimmers until November 1. If interested please contact Coach Carter or any of the other coaches at the Y call 236.3375 or stop by 116 Union Street in Rockport any weekday afternoon between 3:00 and 6:00 PM.