Tabor Academy’s varsity sailing team ranked second in the nation last year and took home its 18th New England Sailing Tournament win.

Coach Robert Hurd says the team’s key to success rests on the “Tabor way” of doing things.

“It’s the same philosophy we apply to the kids,” Hurd said. “We put them in a position to make mistakes and we hold them accountable when they do make mistakes. I think they know I have a level of confidence in their ability to stretch and grow.”

With six assistant coaches and co-captains Mackenzie Cooper of Bermuda and Kristen Mabie of Marion, Hurd said the team is under solid leadership.

Of Cooper, Hurd said,  “He did really well at the New Englands and the Nationals. He’s been in the background behind strong leaders so it’s his turn to emerge from their shadows.”

Cooper said he is getting used to his role as a team leader.

“I think a big challenge for the team will be working a lot of new, young sailors into the program which is always difficult. I am slowly getting used to being a captain as every move I make is being watched. It’s important that I represent not only the sailing program but Tabor as a whole,” Cooper said.

Mabie also plays field hockey for Tabor.

“She has a great ability to see the needs of the whole program. She has a great sense of what the kids are feeling,” Hurd said.

Mabie said, “The team’s chemistry is constantly changing and improving. Tabor sailing improves because we never settle for the successes we achieve. We always keep pushing ourselves to improve individually and as a squad.”

As for what he would like to see improved this season, Hurd said, “I would want the crews to be more athletic in the boats. They tend to be more passengers rather than partners with their skippers. I would like them to be more in tune with what’s going on.”

On Saturday, the 51 members of the team will compete in the first meet of the spring season with the April Fools Invite.

Held annually at Tabor, the event will pit the Seawolves against North Kingstown High School, Hingham High School, and Falmouth High School.

Although he is confident in the team’s ability to win, Hurd said he is always nervous for the start of the season.

“Nobody ever feels ready for the opening meet, but we’ve been out practicing for three days. We’re focusing early on minimizing mistakes. They don’t give trophies out at the beginning of the season. They give them out at the end,” Hurd said.

Last weekend, Hurd held a mini-camp for the team to put in some extra practice time. Despite being on spring break, 37 students returned to the school for the practice.

After 26 years with the sailing program, Hurd said he has taken pride in how dedicated the kids become to the team.

“We have some kids who never sailed before who have now risen through the ranks to become varsity sailors,” Hurd said. “They’ve learned life lessons, and it gets teenagers involved.”

Tabor sailing will compete in the April Fools Invite on Saturday, March 30. The races begin at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend.