Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Bartel

Many past and current members of the UST sailing club would never have heard of sailing or fallen in love with it if it weren’t for Rachel Bartel's admirable passion for the sport.

Rachel Bartel at Fall Fury 2021

Amidst the pandemic in 2020, everyone was feeling cut off from their passions and people. The same was true for Rachel Bartel, a UST club sailing alumna. 

Set on reigniting her passion for sailing, but in the college setting, she began to re-establish the sailing club. With help from the administration at St. Thomas, largely Kevin Manson, the club sports director, and Livia Wagner, a fellow student, Rachel’s goal was attainable. 

“I will forever be grateful for him (Kevin) and his team regarding the support he gave my idea,” Rachel said.

Rachel then connected with Wayzata Sailing, where our club currently practices, and held an interest meeting with around twenty people who were similarly motivated. 

“I was shocked,” Rachel recalls. “I thought it was only me.”

It was a proud moment when the first UST practice boat launched from Wayzata. From there, every regatta helped to establish a presence in the MCSA. The first regatta showed the Midwest that “the Tommies were here to compete at a highly competitive level,” Rachel said. 

Rachel & Conall at National Qualifiers 2022

“It was through her hard work and sheer will that the team was successful at all…As her crew for a number of regattas and practices, she was a great teacher. She made it easy to learn and it showed in the success the team had at regattas.”

–Conall Lynch

During her presidency, Rachel focused her efforts on dinghy sailing, pushing for regattas like single-handed nationals, team race nationals, and fleet race nationals. As the team grew, she witnessed team members fall in love with offshore sailing and keel boats. 

“I think that people like the team aspect of having two or more people on a boat at the same time. Everyone can have fun and sail competitively at the same time!” Rachel said.

Rachel also began to witness students become committed to sailing in the summer and outside of the college scene: “This has taken the skill level of the team and strengthened it. I also think there is a ton more stability in the club.”

“Rachel created an environment that helped rekindle my love for sailing and was a great role model to have as a freshman. She was a great example of being both a good leader and a good sailor, and really helped me build my confidence and inspired me.”

–Lily Lupardus

Towards the end of her time at St. Thomas, qualifying for nationals — match race, team race, and/or fleet race — became the main goal. By the time Rachel graduated in 2024, the UST Sailing Club had around ten active members, a number that has now doubled under the next president, Rakesh Dhiman.

“She walked so I could run.” 

—Rakesh Dhiman

Post-graduation, Rachel began as an Associate Account Manager at Lockton, an insurance brokerage. After developing her professional skills and learning how the corporate world operates, Rachel sought out the opportunity to work as a marketing coordinator for Harken, the leader in sailing hardware.

“So I packed my bags and moved to Milwaukee. I have been here for about a month and I’m learning more about the marine industry and high-performance racing yachts, Harken’s clients,” Rachel said.

E Scow Blue Chip Regatta 2025

Of course, the drive to sail never stopped for Rachel. In her free time, she sails S scows, J70s, and occasional offshore boats. 

“Anything I can get my hands on!” Rachel said.

Sailing isn’t the only way Rachel is an integral part of the community. She also created her own freelance photography business, Bartel Media, after having a natural interest and passion for sailing photography. Through Bartel Media, Rachel covers regattas and events around the Midwest.

Her spectacular photos often feature UST sailors, and we’re beyond excited when that happens. We know these photos will capture both the fun and competitive energy of sailing.

Many past and current members of the UST sailing club would never have heard of sailing or fallen in love with it if it weren’t for Rachel's admirable passion for the sport. The team is always thrilled whenever she is around, and we look forward to her exciting future in sailing and her career.

Rachel & Meriah at Carin Streufert 2022

“She’s someone you’re lucky to have in your corner – thoughtful, intelligent, patient, kind, and hard working…Watching her is truly an inspiration.”

—Meriah Kirschstein

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