Menninger to lead Yale as captain of sailing team

Marla Menninger, a Newport Harbor High product, has been named captain of the 2009 Yale women’s sailing team.

Menninger, an Intercollegiate Sailing Assn. All-American Crew last year, has played an integral role in the success of the Bulldogs since her freshman year, alongside senior skipper and teammate Jane Macky.

Standout performances include first place at the 2007 Atlantic Coast Championships, first in A division and third at the 2008 ICSA Women’s National Championships, as well as third at the 2008 Atlantic Coast Championship.

Menninger led the team’s efforts to run regattas and manage the fleet and facilities as the commodore at the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club in Branford, Conn., for the 2008 season, so her selection as captain represents a shift in leadership responsibilities. Menninger is looking forward to the new relationship with the team.

“I think my biggest challenge will be adjusting to the new position,” Menninger said. “Kate Hagemann, the previous women’s captain, did a great job balancing all of her responsibilities and being on top of everything while keeping things fun.”

— From staff reports