The relatively young UCSB sailing team placed in the top three spots at this weekend’s regatta at Mission Bay in San Diego.

Out of 15 other schools, the Gauchos topped the races along with USC and Stanford, thanks to the dedication of the team’s new coach.

Lead by junior co-captains Casey Pelletier and Hunter Williams, Santa Barbara has enjoyed recent success this season. During the meet at Berkeley on Oct. 9, the coed team placed fifth and the women’s team placed sixth, out of 23 teams.

“There are a lot more people this year, because of our new coach,” junior Kate Conway said. “He’s trying to get everyone out on the water.”

After trying to find a full-time head coach, the Gauchos struck gold with Ty Reed, who accepted the position this last year. He is one of the reasons for the team’s success.

So far in the season, the young Gauchos have demonstrated that age has nothing to do with winning.

“The majority of people on the team are juniors and freshman,” Conway said.