Fans of sailing will be able to see some of the best college teams in the nation up close when the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association’s College Sailing Nationals comes to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, from May 23 through June 2.

Approximately 40 teams will compete in three events: the Women’s Dinghy National Championship May 23-26, the Open Team Race National Championship May 27-29, and the Open Dinghy National Championship May 30-June 2.

This is the first time since 2000 that USMMA has hosted the event, The races will take place on the Long Island Sound, and fans will be able to get a close look from the stands.

“It’s one of the best venues in the country for watching racing,” said Zach Runci, head sailing coach of No. 11-ranked SUNY Maritime College, which is one of the teams competing.

Runci has ties to Bellport. He’s a member of the Bellport Bay Yacht Club and coaches a summer sailing program run by the Bellport Bay Sailing Foundation.

Two of the sailors on Runci’s team are from south Brookhaven Township: Bellport High School graduate Eva Leggett and Rebecca Runyan, who graduated from Eastport-South Manor High School.

In addition, Laura Slovensky of Bellport will compete for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

The racing starts each day at 10 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit nationals.collegesailing.org.