Record-breaking temperatures, mounds of snow, five days off from school due to severe weather, and the result: a frozen harbor. The winter of 2026 has been brutal in Massachusetts due to sudden, frigid temperatures,
which have affected students’ school life, road conditions, and now spring sports that rely on Hingham Harbor. How can spring sports that rely on using the water start their season when the water is rock solid? Well, they can’t. The Hingham High School Sailing Team has had to delay its season by at least two weeks because the team that sails in the strongest conditions cannot sail through ice.
The students on the sailing team expressed frustration with the late start to this season. Senior Captain of the Hingham High Sail Team, Audrey Smith, explains how, “It’s very disappointing because some of the teams we compete against are already on the water and we have to lose two weeks of practice time, and I wish the weather were better so we could go and sail.” One of the main concerns of seasoned sailors and coaches is that the team will fall behind other sailing teams in locations that can access water earlier than Hingham. Audrey describes how most of the team feels, wishing the weather had been better earlier so Hingham Harbor would have thawed in time for the 420s (the boats the Hingham Sailing Team uses to race) to launch on their scheduled date.
To make up for their lost time on the water, the sail team’s coach, Joe Griffin, has arranged pre-season workouts and training in classrooms at Hingham High. It’s a common misconception that sailing requires no exercise or strength, but to be a successful sailor, muscle is essential. Being in shape makes carrying boats, stepping masts, and hiking out much easier for sailors. Coach Joe arranged workout sessions to be held in the dock at Hingham High School a few times a week; he even built a homemade hiking out machine for his sailors to practice with. During classroom time, the coaches and captains review racing techniques with the sailors, including winning formations and tactics to support them during races. On their own, sailors have also been studying the rulebook and completing study checks issued by the coach and captains to make sure they understand the rules of racing while sailing in regattas.
Emily Koskinas, a Freshman at Hingham High, explains that, “We’re all very sad about the delays, the excitement around getting on the water in the next couple of weeks is keeping us going in our workouts and classroom work.” Thankfully, the Harbor has thawed enough that the docks will be placed in the water this coming week. The delay can be disheartening, but the sailors are overjoyed to end their classroom and workout sessions and actually get on the water to sail.
The Hingham High Sailing Team was concerned about the effects of a late start, which would result in a shorter season, missed competitions, and more practice time for competitors. But the team is optimistic that the work they put into the sport on land will reflect when they get on the water. The returning team is highly secure, and the veteran will do a great job teaching incoming members the inner workings of racing on the water.
The Hingham Sail Team may have had a late start to the season, but that does not mean their season will be any different from previous years. The team is founded on a positive environment that encourages new sailors to take risks and improve their racing skills. While racing, the team’s members are known for their excellent communication skills on the water, even in heated situations. Overall, the Hingham High Sailing Team produces not only great sailors but phenomenal teammates who look out for each other on and off the water. The Hingham Sailing Team is excited to tackle spring season 2026, and a little ice on the water won’t be what stops them.
