Senior Wesley LaRue, a Titan Ambassador, has been mastering the sport of sailing. For LaRue, sailing is not just a sport; it’s a passion that started early and stuck. “My mom signed me up for a class when I was super young, and it just kind of stuck with me,” he said.
Now LaRue has been sailing for about 10 years, competes and practices four times a week, racing in regattas almost every weekend.
His proudest moment was competing at the World Championship in Portugal this past summer.
“We got into the Gold Fleet and finished 36th out of 202 boats,” LaRue said.
LaRue’s coach JJ Fetter, who runs a regional training program for top-level sailors, describes LaRue as a strong competitor with unique talent.
“Wesley has a talent for sailing fast in the most demanding types of boats — skiffs and foiling moths are the kinds of boats that skim on top of the water or even fly above it — they go faster than the wind and require incredible control,” Fetter said.
In the 29er class, a high-performance two-person boat, LaRue serves as the crew, which means he’s suspended by a wire over the side of the boat, using only his feet to touch the hull.
“To be a good crew, you need to be strong, agile, and have good balance,” Fetter said.
Fetter praised LaRue’s leadership and integrity.
“LaRue is a great member of our training squad. He always tries his best, helps make everyone on the squad better, and he’s a fair and honest competitor with a high level of sportsmanship.” Fetter said.
Looking forward, LaRue hopes to continue sailing in college, with his eyes on schools like Coast Guard Academy, University of Rhode Island, and University of Michigan.
Beyond the water, LaRue is also a Titan Ambassador for Poway High School, a role he took at the end of last year.
“It’s pretty great. I get to meet people in the community and talk about how great Poway High School is,” LaRue said.
LaRue is charting his own course at Poway High as an accomplished sailor who brings positive school spirit to our community.
