Christopher Newport University to End Sailing Program After 50 Years

The university cites declining participation and costly boat maintenance as reasons for discontinuing the long-running team.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:34pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph of a sailboat gliding across a body of water, with the boat's reflection creating a dreamlike, nostalgic scene in warm, golden tones.As Christopher Newport University prepares to discontinue its storied sailing program, a bittersweet sense of tradition and transition hangs in the air.Newport News Today

After more than 50 years, Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, has announced it will discontinue its sailing program at the end of the current season. University President William G. Kelly cited declining participation and the need for costly maintenance and upgrades to the team's fleet of boats as the reasons behind the decision, which has drawn criticism and disappointment from students and athletes who say sailing is deeply tied to the university's identity.

Why it matters

Sailing has long been embedded in the culture of Christopher Newport University, from nautical-themed branding to traditions like freshman orientation. The program's discontinuation represents the end of an era and a significant loss for the university community, which has taken pride in the team's success over the decades.

The details

The CNU sailing team, led by coach Dreugh Phillips, has qualified for nationals the past two years and was aiming for a third consecutive appearance before the program's closure. Team captain Noah Hubbard, a senior, said joining the sailing team was a "life-changing experience" despite having no prior sailing experience. Hubbard and other students have expressed disappointment and are advocating for the program's continuation, but university leadership has determined the costs can no longer be justified given declining participation.

  • The CNU sailing program will discontinue at the end of the current 2026 season.
  • The women's sailing team has qualified for nationals the past two years.

The players

William G. Kelly

The president of Christopher Newport University, who announced the decision to discontinue the sailing program.

Noah Hubbard

The captain of the CNU sailing team, who said joining the program was a "life-changing experience."

Dreugh Phillips

The coach of the CNU sailing team, which has seen success in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“It hurt, and it was definitely a gut punch.”

— Noah Hubbard, Sailing Team Captain

“It's just been a life-changing experience for me. It's a fun, competitive sport.”

— Noah Hubbard, Sailing Team Captain

“Our university is so nautical themed; it's in our logos, we have a dining hall named Regattas, which is the name of our competitions. It definitely leaves a sour taste.”

— Noah Hubbard, Sailing Team Captain

What’s next

The CNU sailing team is continuing to advocate for the program's continuation, with support from other collegiate sailing teams. In the meantime, the team is focused on finishing the current season strong.

The takeaway

The discontinuation of the CNU sailing program after more than 50 years represents the end of an era for the university, which has long celebrated its nautical identity and traditions. The decision highlights the challenges facing smaller collegiate sports programs, even those deeply embedded in an institution's culture.