In Brief: Chapman Petersen ’22 Wins Nationals

Chapman Petersen ’22 won the High School National Championship in the Laser Radial Class on November 3, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by a Hotchkiss sailor since 1994.
By defending his New England Championship at the Hyannis Yacht Club, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, this past October, Chapman moved on to Nationals in Santa Barbara, California.
Fellow teammate John Eastman ’20 said, “His work ethic is unparalleled, and we expect big things from a kid with such immense talent and love for the sport. The team will be in good hands for years to come.”
Despite being in a field filled with mostly high school Seniors and Juniors, Petersen was undeterred, and he got out to a quick start.
He started strong in his first few races, putting him ahead of the competition early.
He stayed consistent until the fourteenth and final race, when another athlete from a New Hampshire high school tied Petersen’s tally.
The tiebreaker was the number of first place finishes earned throughout the event, and, thanks to Petersen’s great start, he earned the top spot and the National Championship.