The Hobart and William Smith sailing team begins its 2026-27 season this weekend, Sept. 12-13, when it heads to Kings Point, New York, for three regattas. HWS will race in the ILCA (Laser Class) North, the Kings Point Fall Women's and the Kings Point Open Dinghy.
 
HWS returns eight of the 10 sailors who competed at the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association national championships last season. In total, 34 sailors return from the 2025-26 team that finished 15th at the ICSA Team Race National Championships in New Orleans. All four Herons that placed 13th in the Women's Eastern semifinals last year are back.
 
Seniors JJ Klempen and Stella Kim highlight the returning group. Klempen was second team All-Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association skipper and Kim was first team All-MAISA Crew last year. Six new faces will add to a strong veteran presence on this year's squad for Head Coach Scott Ikle '84, who is in his 33rd year guiding the program.
 
In 2025, HWS had four sailors finish in the top 10 at the Laser North. Jack Carter is the top returner. He finished in fifth place with 50 points. The team finished in fifth at the KP Women's and seventh in the Open Dinghy to open last season.