Connor Horrigan skippering & Will Donovan crewing
July 30, 2026 Submitted By Hingham Maritime Center
Hingham Maritime Center athletes made their mark at two of New England’s premier summer competitions this past week, bringing home top finishes in rowing at the historic Cromwell Cup on the Charles River while HMC sailors demonstrated impressive skill and sportsmanship at Marblehead Junior Race Week.
Together, the performances highlight the depth of HMC’s youth programs and the dedication of the athletes and coaches who continue training long after the traditional school seasons have ended.
Sportsmanship Award Winners, HMC sailors Taylor Bradl and Nate Conley
HMC Rowers Excel at the 39th Annual Cromwell Cup
Competing against more than 600 rowers from across New England and the Mid-Atlantic, Hingham Maritime Center crews turned in exceptional performances at the 39th Annual Cromwell Cup, hosted by Riverside Boat Club on the Charles River.
The Women’s U19 8+ claimed gold in 3:32.4, with coxswain Ginger Niehoff leading Milly Martin (stroke), Natalie Shaw, June Rogan, Annie Sargent, Stella Gutierrez, Ellie White, Emme Beaudoin, and Megan Buckley (bow). This first-place victory was especially impressive as Hingham Maritime Center defeated the talented Riverside Boat Club Summer Program crew on its home course.
Girls U19 8+ : 1st place – Hingham Maritime Center: (L-R) Ginger Niehoff (coxswain), Milly Martin (stroke), Natalie Shaw, June Rogan, Annie Sargent, Stella Gutierrez, Ellie White, Emme Beaudoin and Megan Buckley (bow) (not pictured:Coach David Martin)
The Men’s U19 4+, featuring cox Reagan Puleo, stroke Spencer Farish, Landy Vittorini, Nate Bradl and bowman Ben Ferguson, capped off a terrific day of racing with an outstanding second-place finish, crossing the line in 3:34.4.
Boys U19 4+ : 2nd place – Hingham Maritime Center: (L-R) Coach Sarah Dewey, Spencer Farish (stroke), Landy Vittorini, Nate Bradl, Ben Ferguson (bowman) and Reagan Puleo (cox)
“The Cromwell Cup is always a great opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the strongest summer programs in the region,” said HMC Director of Rowing and Coach Sarah Dewey. “I’m incredibly proud of how our crews raced—with confidence, composure, and tremendous commitment to one another. They represented Hingham exceptionally well.”
Coach David Martin, who worked with the girls’ crews throughout the summer season, echoed that sentiment. “Watching these athletes continue to improve week after week has been incredibly rewarding. Their work ethic, trust in each other, and willingness to compete at a high level are what make this group special. This weekend’s results are a reflection of that dedication.”
The Women’s U19 8+ now sets its sights on one of the most prestigious summer rowing events in North America. Next week, the crew and Coach David Martin will travel to Canadian Henley in St. Catharines, Ontario, where they will compete against many of the top junior programs from the United States and Canada.
Sailors Gain Experience at Marblehead Junior Race Week
At the same time, eight Hingham Maritime Center sailors were representing HMC at the historic Marblehead Junior Race Week, one of the premier youth sailing regattas in the United States.
Competing in the highly competitive 420 Championship Fleet, HMC was represented by four teams:
• Aisling Conley & Sam Guardino
• Nate Conley & Taylor Bradl
• Connor Horrigan & Will Donovan
• Lexa Sabattis & Kay Vazquez
Racing against many of the region’s top junior sailors, the teams encountered a wide range of conditions—from moderate breeze and rolling seas to stronger winds later in the week. Every race provided valuable experience and the opportunity to test their skills against elite competition.
Coach Sara Menesale praised the group’s effort throughout the week.
“Our sailors embraced every challenge the week presented. Whether conditions were light or heavy, they stayed focused, supported one another, and improved with every race. That’s exactly what we hope to see from a developing race team.”
The regatta also brought special recognition for Taylor Bradl and Nate Conley, who received the Sportsmanship Award for exemplifying respect, integrity, and positive attitude throughout the week.
A Summer of Growth
While many student-athletes take a break after their school seasons conclude, Hingham Maritime Center’s rowers and sailors continue sharpening their skills throughout the summer—competing against top regional talent while developing confidence, teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
From podium finishes on the Charles River to outstanding performances on Marblehead Harbor, HMC athletes continue to demonstrate that success is measured not only by results, but also by perseverance, character, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the water.