"Because I'm smaller than most of the other girls, size makes a difference," she said. "The bigger you are, the faster you can go. So when you're smaller it's harder, but I managed to hang okay."

This weekend's winds, which reached up to 25 knots at times, made it difficult for lightweight sailors to control their vessels.

"You need to be really big to sail [tough winds] fast," co-captain Sarah Levin said. "It's awesome that Margaret ended up fifth."

Although overshadowed by the nationals, the Horn Trophy was a good opportunity for many on the team to relax in a race of minor importance.

Because Horn Trophy rules require at least one boat with a woman skipper for each school, Levin was forced to assume the role of skipper, a role she has never taken in a regatta before.

"I'm not a skipper at all," she joked. "We were a total disaster. I'm surprised we didn't kill anyone."

The team placed fourth overall and enjoyed a chance to sail in its own backyard.