"Olympic competition translates very well to the upcoming season," O'Connor said. "They both were sailing singles and using the same skills."

Despite featuring a few young sailors, the Crimson should have no leadership void. Taubman and Levin complement each other nicely as co-captains with Taubman a career skipper and Levin a crew.

Their task will be to keep an obviously talented roster focused and motivated, as the national circuit does not present any overwhelming competition.

St. Mary's should serve as Harvard's chief national rival this season and is widely recognized as the team to beat in college sailing. The Seahawks return two All-Americans and finished atop the ICYRA rankings last year. Dartmouth and Tufts are the other top New England schools.

"Yes, I think we can move into the elite programs this year," O'Connor said. "Our women's team is ranked first in the nation and our men's team is ranked sixth. There is no reason why that cannot improve."

In its early regattas Harvard has already had success. The co-ed squad finished third in the Harry Anderson Trophy at Yale, while the women captured the Man Labs Trophy at MIT.

If the Crimson sailors keep this up, the Athletic Department might just give them that web page.