Sail Melbourne concluded just over a week ago, and I ended up fourth. It was a disappointing result for me. My lack of training was alarming evident at times, which created areas of weakness that need to be addressed in the coming weeks as I prepare for Miami Olympic Classes Regatta. It doesn't feel like my weaknesses are glaring, just a product of taking a substantial break from laser sailing since the games, and hopefully can be rectified quickly.
It always amazes me how the subtleties of laser sailing compound to make such a dramatic impact on your overall performance. Being one second late starting your acceleration can mean the difference between 1st and your drop race. So now it is time to get back on the water spending a substantial amount of time doing incredibly repetitive training focusing slow speed maneuvers, and practicing tack and cross drills.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sailing Update
It has been a busy last couple of months on the sailing front. I took about a month off after the games to sort my life out, and figure out what I want to do, and then back into the thick of it.
The farr 40(Transfusion) I race with has been doing well so far this year. We had a great start to the season winning the first event of the season in Port Stephens. This was followed up by another win at the Pittwater regatta a couple of weeks later. Unfortunately, we couldnt keep the streak alive at the CYCA regatta, and ended up 3rd. The next regatta on the program is the Rolex regatta, which starts tomorrow out of the CYCA. It is one of the more important regattas on the schedule down under, so I'm sure there will be quite a few teams fired up for this one. Hopefully all the racing will be offshore, as Sydney ferries seems to have it in for Tom Slingsby(Transfusion's tactician).
I have also started doing a bit of etchells sailing this year. Tom Slingsby has invited me to join his etchell program leading into the 2009 Worlds in Melbourne. We have now qualified for the worlds, and are putting plans in place to have a successful worlds program(need plenty of gybe set practice!). I have also done a bit of fill in sailing at regattas, racing two days at the Milson Silver Goblet Regatta on Sydney Harbour, and a day at the NSW Etchell State, where the boats finished 5th and 6th respectively. This has been a great experience, and has really improved my trimming as I am very new to this boat.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to call tactics at the NSW J24 States. The team on board Kaotic spent a fair bit of time preparing the bottom(a fair bit of growth on it to say the least), but by the time we put her in the water, she was ready to race. Both days of racing were fresh to frightening. The RC could only manage one race on the first day before it got too windy, and racing was called off. The following day started out fresh, and built from there. The wind was gusting into the high 30's and we managed 2 races before being postponed and seeking shelter in one of the many coves around Sydney harbour. Just when we thought the regatta was going to be called off, the RC managed to sneek the required fourth race in to complete the series. It came down to the last race for the championship, and we ended up taking it in the end, after a bit of a mach race with code violation.
The final regatta I have competed in over the last two months was the Sydney International Regatta(SIR's), which finished up two days ago. I was a bit nervous about my preparation going into the event, as I had only sailed a laser the four days preceding the event since the Olympics. I knocked off most of the rust relatively quickly, and had a really good battle with Javier Hernandez throughout the event. By the time the last day came, we had amounted quite a big lead over the rest of the competition, and spent most of the day attacking each other as the points were very tight. It came down to the last race, and whoever finished in front would win. After a prestart duel, we had a small split up the first beat, which was enough to have me come out ahead at the first weather mark. Unfortunately, Javier was pushing it on the first run, and capsized, which ended our battle for the championship prematurely, resulting in me winning SIR's for the second year in a row.
The farr 40(Transfusion) I race with has been doing well so far this year. We had a great start to the season winning the first event of the season in Port Stephens. This was followed up by another win at the Pittwater regatta a couple of weeks later. Unfortunately, we couldnt keep the streak alive at the CYCA regatta, and ended up 3rd. The next regatta on the program is the Rolex regatta, which starts tomorrow out of the CYCA. It is one of the more important regattas on the schedule down under, so I'm sure there will be quite a few teams fired up for this one. Hopefully all the racing will be offshore, as Sydney ferries seems to have it in for Tom Slingsby(Transfusion's tactician).
I have also started doing a bit of etchells sailing this year. Tom Slingsby has invited me to join his etchell program leading into the 2009 Worlds in Melbourne. We have now qualified for the worlds, and are putting plans in place to have a successful worlds program(need plenty of gybe set practice!). I have also done a bit of fill in sailing at regattas, racing two days at the Milson Silver Goblet Regatta on Sydney Harbour, and a day at the NSW Etchell State, where the boats finished 5th and 6th respectively. This has been a great experience, and has really improved my trimming as I am very new to this boat.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to call tactics at the NSW J24 States. The team on board Kaotic spent a fair bit of time preparing the bottom(a fair bit of growth on it to say the least), but by the time we put her in the water, she was ready to race. Both days of racing were fresh to frightening. The RC could only manage one race on the first day before it got too windy, and racing was called off. The following day started out fresh, and built from there. The wind was gusting into the high 30's and we managed 2 races before being postponed and seeking shelter in one of the many coves around Sydney harbour. Just when we thought the regatta was going to be called off, the RC managed to sneek the required fourth race in to complete the series. It came down to the last race for the championship, and we ended up taking it in the end, after a bit of a mach race with code violation.
The final regatta I have competed in over the last two months was the Sydney International Regatta(SIR's), which finished up two days ago. I was a bit nervous about my preparation going into the event, as I had only sailed a laser the four days preceding the event since the Olympics. I knocked off most of the rust relatively quickly, and had a really good battle with Javier Hernandez throughout the event. By the time the last day came, we had amounted quite a big lead over the rest of the competition, and spent most of the day attacking each other as the points were very tight. It came down to the last race, and whoever finished in front would win. After a prestart duel, we had a small split up the first beat, which was enough to have me come out ahead at the first weather mark. Unfortunately, Javier was pushing it on the first run, and capsized, which ended our battle for the championship prematurely, resulting in me winning SIR's for the second year in a row.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Games finished up a couple of weeks ago, and the whole thing has been an amazing experience. While I had planned to have done better, I was very pleased with the comeback I made after a less then ideal start to the regatta. Having had a bit of time to digest what has happened, and looking back, I would have hardly changed a thing from a preparation standpoint.
Going into the event, I realized that there were going to be lots of ups and downs; however, I dont think I was completely prepared for craziness of the Olympics, which I think is the downfall of a lot of first time Olympic racers. The racing had several moments that turned it on its head, and the number of distractions that are not normally there(both on and off the water) were staggering. My coach and I both thought this games was particularly bad from a distraction standpoint, however, Olympic veteran Andy Geritzer (2004 silver medalist), assured us that all of this was quite normal.
It was a bit of a shock to finish the Olympics, and left many of the sailors saying, "what now?" I certainly felt this way, as the abruptness of the end certainly dawns the shocking reality of the real world. Gone are the days spent training and logistical planning. Instead, it is time to figure out what to do next.
At this stage, my plan is to keep sailing as much as possible. There is a busy circuit down under, and between Farr 40 and laser racing I should keep myself relatively busy. It is great to finally have a break from the intensity of racing internationally, so I think I will use this opportunity over the next couple of months to branch out into different things and challenges.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank all my sponsors and supports who have helped me get this far. In particular, I would like to thank the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, PJ Phelan Foundation, Canadian Athletes Now Fund, BC Sailing and the Canadian Yachting Association as without their support, I would not have been able to sail full time, and have this amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank Zhik sailing clothing, Hudsons Bay Company(HBC) and Kaenon sunglasses for their support. These companies produce fantastic products and I encourage you all to support them. Lastly, I would like to thank all the individuals who have helped me throughout this journey, along with people who provided support and encouragement along the way. Unfortunately, there are far to many to list, but I would like to extend a huge thank you as without your help, I wouldnt have gotten this far.
Going into the event, I realized that there were going to be lots of ups and downs; however, I dont think I was completely prepared for craziness of the Olympics, which I think is the downfall of a lot of first time Olympic racers. The racing had several moments that turned it on its head, and the number of distractions that are not normally there(both on and off the water) were staggering. My coach and I both thought this games was particularly bad from a distraction standpoint, however, Olympic veteran Andy Geritzer (2004 silver medalist), assured us that all of this was quite normal.
It was a bit of a shock to finish the Olympics, and left many of the sailors saying, "what now?" I certainly felt this way, as the abruptness of the end certainly dawns the shocking reality of the real world. Gone are the days spent training and logistical planning. Instead, it is time to figure out what to do next.
At this stage, my plan is to keep sailing as much as possible. There is a busy circuit down under, and between Farr 40 and laser racing I should keep myself relatively busy. It is great to finally have a break from the intensity of racing internationally, so I think I will use this opportunity over the next couple of months to branch out into different things and challenges.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank all my sponsors and supports who have helped me get this far. In particular, I would like to thank the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, PJ Phelan Foundation, Canadian Athletes Now Fund, BC Sailing and the Canadian Yachting Association as without their support, I would not have been able to sail full time, and have this amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank Zhik sailing clothing, Hudsons Bay Company(HBC) and Kaenon sunglasses for their support. These companies produce fantastic products and I encourage you all to support them. Lastly, I would like to thank all the individuals who have helped me throughout this journey, along with people who provided support and encouragement along the way. Unfortunately, there are far to many to list, but I would like to extend a huge thank you as without your help, I wouldnt have gotten this far.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Laser Europeans Wrap Up and Games Thoughts
The Europeans finished up about a week ago, and as usual, I figured that I should write my delayed post regarding the event.
Overall, I was quite pleased with how the event went, and ended up 8th overall. I stumbled a bit on the last day of actual racing(last scheduled day was called off), with a 17, BFD.. The conditions in Belgium were not the expected conditions to be seen in China, but still presented many scenarios that could occur at the games. Like China, there was plenty of current, which challenged many sailors coming off the start line, or getting around the weather mark. It was also nice to practice in a bit of breeze, as there is a good possibility that we will see at least one day of racing in 15+ knots in Qingdao (going off the previous two test events).
I've found the last couple of months pretty amusing watching everyone starve themselves down to China weight. They might be laughing last, but at this stage, I am very happy that I am heading to the games feeling confident in every condition, and not having to pray for one wind strength or another. My coach and I have stopped believing the weight that people have said they are, and have made up another method of testing peoples weight- how soon their feet hit the hiking strap. I suspect a few a sailors in the fleet have amended their 'official' weight to try throw people off.
As the games have been approaching, I've been reflecting on my past seasons in Europe and what it is going to be like racing in China. I was quite amused the other day when juxtaposing my expectations during my first trip to Europe in 2003 to my present expectations, as back then I would have been happy to finish in the top ten at a major grade one once in my career, whereas this season, if I have been out of the top 5 it has been a tough event for me. However, heading into China, I know that a top 5 or even 10 is going to be a difficult result to attain, as there are so many good sailors racing there. At the start of the season, I thought that the defining factor at the games will be psychological, and throughout the season, it has only been re-enforced. I think the quest for the Qingdao 'magic potion' has been in vain, and in the end, it will come down to performing the fundamentals consistently well.
I head off to Qingdao in six days time, and am really excited about going there, and racing. I am sure at the conclusion of the games, I will look back and realize the mistakes I made in my preparation, but going into the Olympics, I am very pleased with my program over the last 6 months. It is absolutely frightening to think that the games are almost here, and to say that I am nervous is a bit of an understatement.
Overall, I was quite pleased with how the event went, and ended up 8th overall. I stumbled a bit on the last day of actual racing(last scheduled day was called off), with a 17, BFD.. The conditions in Belgium were not the expected conditions to be seen in China, but still presented many scenarios that could occur at the games. Like China, there was plenty of current, which challenged many sailors coming off the start line, or getting around the weather mark. It was also nice to practice in a bit of breeze, as there is a good possibility that we will see at least one day of racing in 15+ knots in Qingdao (going off the previous two test events).
I've found the last couple of months pretty amusing watching everyone starve themselves down to China weight. They might be laughing last, but at this stage, I am very happy that I am heading to the games feeling confident in every condition, and not having to pray for one wind strength or another. My coach and I have stopped believing the weight that people have said they are, and have made up another method of testing peoples weight- how soon their feet hit the hiking strap. I suspect a few a sailors in the fleet have amended their 'official' weight to try throw people off.
As the games have been approaching, I've been reflecting on my past seasons in Europe and what it is going to be like racing in China. I was quite amused the other day when juxtaposing my expectations during my first trip to Europe in 2003 to my present expectations, as back then I would have been happy to finish in the top ten at a major grade one once in my career, whereas this season, if I have been out of the top 5 it has been a tough event for me. However, heading into China, I know that a top 5 or even 10 is going to be a difficult result to attain, as there are so many good sailors racing there. At the start of the season, I thought that the defining factor at the games will be psychological, and throughout the season, it has only been re-enforced. I think the quest for the Qingdao 'magic potion' has been in vain, and in the end, it will come down to performing the fundamentals consistently well.
I head off to Qingdao in six days time, and am really excited about going there, and racing. I am sure at the conclusion of the games, I will look back and realize the mistakes I made in my preparation, but going into the Olympics, I am very pleased with my program over the last 6 months. It is absolutely frightening to think that the games are almost here, and to say that I am nervous is a bit of an understatement.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Europeans-Day 2
Day 2
The wind today started out at about 8-10 knots, and built slowly throughout the day to finish with gusts up to 18 knots. The swell was similar to yesterdays, which made for some enjoyable downwinds.
Overall, I had an average day(4,7). I made quite a few tactical mistakes in both races, which cost me several points. However, I was lucky to have a bit of a speed edge downwind and reaching, which really saved me today. I always have mixed feelings about days like today as, on one hand, I kept myself in contention, but on the other, I know that I could have easily had two top 3's again. Racing continues tomorrow, and the rumor is for lighter wind tomorrow.
The wind today started out at about 8-10 knots, and built slowly throughout the day to finish with gusts up to 18 knots. The swell was similar to yesterdays, which made for some enjoyable downwinds.
Overall, I had an average day(4,7). I made quite a few tactical mistakes in both races, which cost me several points. However, I was lucky to have a bit of a speed edge downwind and reaching, which really saved me today. I always have mixed feelings about days like today as, on one hand, I kept myself in contention, but on the other, I know that I could have easily had two top 3's again. Racing continues tomorrow, and the rumor is for lighter wind tomorrow.
Monday, July 14, 2008
European Championships-Day 1
The first day of the European Championship has now ended. It was a great day on the water with 15 knots of wind, sun, and nice waves. I had a great day to finish with a 3,1. I'm not too sure what place I am in, but I have been told I am tied for second.
In the first race, I started a couple boats down from the RC. It was an ok start, apart from someone to weather pulling the trigger a bit early and bearing off into me. Unfortunately, I didnt see who it was. I sailed up the middle for the first half of the work, and then made a switch to the left at the top to round the first weather mark in around 10th. I snuck by a couple of boats on the top reach, and then a few more on the run. On the run I used my speed to sneak by a few more boats. A few got past up the next work, but they were just in front around the top. I past about 5-6 on the next run, and then hung onto 3rd until the finish.
I had a great start in race two about a third up from the pin. I started just above one of the bigger British guys who was footing hard in the first race. After the start, he cleared out the boats to leeward, and I cleared the boats to weather so we both had good lanes out left. We pinned it out there, and after quite some time, he tacked and crossed. I tacked shortly after, needing to duck one other boat from the right, and then sailed free for the rest of the work to rount the top in second.
I snuck by the leader on the top reach, and dove low on the run, but forced my positioning too much, and lost one boat on the run. Another boat got past me on the next work. I promptly past him at the start of the run, and then linked some great waves to close on the leading Croatian, just getting inside at the bottom mark. We maintained our positions on the reach, and up the last short beat we were neck and neck. He split immediately around the bottom mark, and then ducked me when we converged again. I tacked back on the port tack layline, and converged with CRO. I thought I might make it accross, but it wasnt worth the risk, so I elected for the duck. I shot around his transom(a bit close for comfort-I had about 1cm between his transom and bow). I immediately cracked sheet to go into low mode to gain separation as I knew he would flip onto my hip and try to pin me. I created the leverage needed, and then flipped back on starboard tack lay to cross and take the race.
In the first race, I started a couple boats down from the RC. It was an ok start, apart from someone to weather pulling the trigger a bit early and bearing off into me. Unfortunately, I didnt see who it was. I sailed up the middle for the first half of the work, and then made a switch to the left at the top to round the first weather mark in around 10th. I snuck by a couple of boats on the top reach, and then a few more on the run. On the run I used my speed to sneak by a few more boats. A few got past up the next work, but they were just in front around the top. I past about 5-6 on the next run, and then hung onto 3rd until the finish.
I had a great start in race two about a third up from the pin. I started just above one of the bigger British guys who was footing hard in the first race. After the start, he cleared out the boats to leeward, and I cleared the boats to weather so we both had good lanes out left. We pinned it out there, and after quite some time, he tacked and crossed. I tacked shortly after, needing to duck one other boat from the right, and then sailed free for the rest of the work to rount the top in second.
I snuck by the leader on the top reach, and dove low on the run, but forced my positioning too much, and lost one boat on the run. Another boat got past me on the next work. I promptly past him at the start of the run, and then linked some great waves to close on the leading Croatian, just getting inside at the bottom mark. We maintained our positions on the reach, and up the last short beat we were neck and neck. He split immediately around the bottom mark, and then ducked me when we converged again. I tacked back on the port tack layline, and converged with CRO. I thought I might make it accross, but it wasnt worth the risk, so I elected for the duck. I shot around his transom(a bit close for comfort-I had about 1cm between his transom and bow). I immediately cracked sheet to go into low mode to gain separation as I knew he would flip onto my hip and try to pin me. I created the leverage needed, and then flipped back on starboard tack lay to cross and take the race.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Warnemunde-Day 4
Day 4.
Going into the last day of Warnemunde, I was in second on 13 points, and Jean Baptiste was leading on 7 points. Given that he was only counting top 2's, I didnt think there was any chance of catching him for the overall title. It was pretty breezy, and I thought the best I could do was to close the gap.
In the first race of the day, I started a bit down from the boat end, and punched out on the boats around. The breeze did a small flick right, and I held out waiting for the breeze to come back. I sailed into a bit of pressure on the left, and then tack back towards the main bunch. Several boats on the right had sheared off me while I had headed out left, and I was crossing the course in about 10th. I snuck by a few guys, but lost a bit of distance on lead group to round in 6th. I had a quick top reach to round the bear away mark in 3rd. I snuck by one more on the run, and had taken a pretty big chunk out of the leader.
After rounding the bottom gate, I flipped onto a starboard tack lift, and sailed for quite some time with the leader just ahead and on my hip. Eventually it knocked, and I came back at him. I took his transom and then sailed for about 10 boatlengths, and tacked back. We had quite a large lead at this stage, and I wanted to stay close. He soon tacked back, and took my transom. I flipped again on his hip. I misplayed the shifts, and we knocked heavily. Matt Coutts, who was quite a bit back, had played the right, and it worked beautifully, as he crossed both of us on a big righty. I rounded the top in 3rd, and managed to sneak by James Burman on the run to hold onto second. After I finished, I noticed that Jean Baptiste was back in 6th, which had opened up an opportunity for me, as his lead had taken quite a hit, and was down to two points.
Race 2.
My plan of attack was to start near Jean, and put a bit of pressure on if I have the chance. We both started about 1/3 up from the pin, with about 2 boats in between. I am not a big fan of going slow to attack, but went into a slightly higher mode, and pinched the two guys off above. I was then in Baptiste's line, so I put my bow down to try and extend. I put almost 5 boatlengths on him over the next couple of minutes, and looked to be in a strong position for the race win. The guys to weather were quite far behind, and the most threatening guy(to leeward), were in my window.
Eventually, Baptiste tacked away. I thought the breeze was going to go a bit further left, so I hung on a couple more boatlengths before tacking. Baptiste was in my window at this stage, and the breeze continued to shift left. I rounded the top mark in about 5th, but thought I could get by the guys in front with a bit more offwind speed. I rounded the bottom in 1st, and saw Baptiste was quite far behind. I did my best to herd the fleet up the next work to make it difficult for Baptiste to make a gain. In the end, I won the race, and also locked up the event.
I am now in Belgium in lead up to the Laser European Championship. This will be the last event for me before racing in China.
Going into the last day of Warnemunde, I was in second on 13 points, and Jean Baptiste was leading on 7 points. Given that he was only counting top 2's, I didnt think there was any chance of catching him for the overall title. It was pretty breezy, and I thought the best I could do was to close the gap.
In the first race of the day, I started a bit down from the boat end, and punched out on the boats around. The breeze did a small flick right, and I held out waiting for the breeze to come back. I sailed into a bit of pressure on the left, and then tack back towards the main bunch. Several boats on the right had sheared off me while I had headed out left, and I was crossing the course in about 10th. I snuck by a few guys, but lost a bit of distance on lead group to round in 6th. I had a quick top reach to round the bear away mark in 3rd. I snuck by one more on the run, and had taken a pretty big chunk out of the leader.
After rounding the bottom gate, I flipped onto a starboard tack lift, and sailed for quite some time with the leader just ahead and on my hip. Eventually it knocked, and I came back at him. I took his transom and then sailed for about 10 boatlengths, and tacked back. We had quite a large lead at this stage, and I wanted to stay close. He soon tacked back, and took my transom. I flipped again on his hip. I misplayed the shifts, and we knocked heavily. Matt Coutts, who was quite a bit back, had played the right, and it worked beautifully, as he crossed both of us on a big righty. I rounded the top in 3rd, and managed to sneak by James Burman on the run to hold onto second. After I finished, I noticed that Jean Baptiste was back in 6th, which had opened up an opportunity for me, as his lead had taken quite a hit, and was down to two points.
Race 2.
My plan of attack was to start near Jean, and put a bit of pressure on if I have the chance. We both started about 1/3 up from the pin, with about 2 boats in between. I am not a big fan of going slow to attack, but went into a slightly higher mode, and pinched the two guys off above. I was then in Baptiste's line, so I put my bow down to try and extend. I put almost 5 boatlengths on him over the next couple of minutes, and looked to be in a strong position for the race win. The guys to weather were quite far behind, and the most threatening guy(to leeward), were in my window.
Eventually, Baptiste tacked away. I thought the breeze was going to go a bit further left, so I hung on a couple more boatlengths before tacking. Baptiste was in my window at this stage, and the breeze continued to shift left. I rounded the top mark in about 5th, but thought I could get by the guys in front with a bit more offwind speed. I rounded the bottom in 1st, and saw Baptiste was quite far behind. I did my best to herd the fleet up the next work to make it difficult for Baptiste to make a gain. In the end, I won the race, and also locked up the event.
I am now in Belgium in lead up to the Laser European Championship. This will be the last event for me before racing in China.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Warnmunde-Day 3
Day 3 Warnemunde.
The only race of day 3 started with a large pin end bais. It was one of those races where the whole fleet stacks up at the pin, and it is very difficult to find a hole in the last minute if approaching on port...
Unfortunately, I approached on port, and was trying to reach down the line as quickly as I could as the holes that were avaible were quickly closing. I got caught behind my training partner who was also reaching down the line on port, and had a decision to make. I chose the best of a losing scenario, and stayed behind him so that I kept my options open. In that scenario, you do not want to develop an overlap, as if you try to go to weather, he can force you into a less then desirable spot, and if you go to leeward, you might miss out on a potential gap. I ended up a long way down the line(almost mid line), giving up a lot of distance to the guys at the pin.
My only saving grace was that I was able to take advantage of the line mid-line sag, which allowed me to immediately tack onto the favoured port tack. I made my way back over to the left side of the beat to round the first weather mark in about 6th. I then shot by a few guys on the top reach, and a couple more on the downwind to round the bottom in 2nd. Jean Baptiste had a large lead at this stage, and it was looking like I was going to get second in the race and regatta.
To my surprise, shortly after I rounded the right gate(looking downwind) he tacked before a line of pressure, which knocked him. He carried on back towards me consolidating my gain, and then tacked just back of my apparent wind, and about 4-5 boatlengths ahead. I thought the breeze was going to do a large dial left, and knew I needed to create more of a gap to get the leverage I needed to come bow even. I suspected he would put a tighter cover on me the rest of the way up the work, so we sailed into a small knock, and I tacked. He tacked with me, and I immediately tacked back left. He sailed several more lengths and then flipped back. I had the leverage I was looking for! We sailed into the first of two big knocks and he tacked away. I sailed a bit further into the second major knock, and flipped back to cross him by about 5 boatlengths the next time we converged. I managed to hold on for the rest of the race.
The RC made several attempts at starting a second race that day, and eventually got one off. I worked middle left up the first beat, and near the top of the course, it looked like it was starting to go really funky. I thought it was going to do a large dial right, but didnt want to tack over there too early, as all the top guys were out left, and if I went and it dialed back left, I would be eating some massive knocks. Fortunately, I picked the last possible opportunity to head right, making big gains on the boats from the left to round the top mark about 10th. The top reach was shifted to a run, and I could not manage to sneak by anyone. On the run(which was now a reach), I got high on the pack of 6 ahead, and then rolled over them, only to have the race abandoned just before the bottom mark.
I think it was a good decision to abandon the race, but was a bit surprised as the same thing had happened the day before; however, that race had been shortened to the bottom mark. After the abandonment, we were sent ashore as racing had been called off for the rest of the day.
The only race of day 3 started with a large pin end bais. It was one of those races where the whole fleet stacks up at the pin, and it is very difficult to find a hole in the last minute if approaching on port...
Unfortunately, I approached on port, and was trying to reach down the line as quickly as I could as the holes that were avaible were quickly closing. I got caught behind my training partner who was also reaching down the line on port, and had a decision to make. I chose the best of a losing scenario, and stayed behind him so that I kept my options open. In that scenario, you do not want to develop an overlap, as if you try to go to weather, he can force you into a less then desirable spot, and if you go to leeward, you might miss out on a potential gap. I ended up a long way down the line(almost mid line), giving up a lot of distance to the guys at the pin.
My only saving grace was that I was able to take advantage of the line mid-line sag, which allowed me to immediately tack onto the favoured port tack. I made my way back over to the left side of the beat to round the first weather mark in about 6th. I then shot by a few guys on the top reach, and a couple more on the downwind to round the bottom in 2nd. Jean Baptiste had a large lead at this stage, and it was looking like I was going to get second in the race and regatta.
To my surprise, shortly after I rounded the right gate(looking downwind) he tacked before a line of pressure, which knocked him. He carried on back towards me consolidating my gain, and then tacked just back of my apparent wind, and about 4-5 boatlengths ahead. I thought the breeze was going to do a large dial left, and knew I needed to create more of a gap to get the leverage I needed to come bow even. I suspected he would put a tighter cover on me the rest of the way up the work, so we sailed into a small knock, and I tacked. He tacked with me, and I immediately tacked back left. He sailed several more lengths and then flipped back. I had the leverage I was looking for! We sailed into the first of two big knocks and he tacked away. I sailed a bit further into the second major knock, and flipped back to cross him by about 5 boatlengths the next time we converged. I managed to hold on for the rest of the race.
The RC made several attempts at starting a second race that day, and eventually got one off. I worked middle left up the first beat, and near the top of the course, it looked like it was starting to go really funky. I thought it was going to do a large dial right, but didnt want to tack over there too early, as all the top guys were out left, and if I went and it dialed back left, I would be eating some massive knocks. Fortunately, I picked the last possible opportunity to head right, making big gains on the boats from the left to round the top mark about 10th. The top reach was shifted to a run, and I could not manage to sneak by anyone. On the run(which was now a reach), I got high on the pack of 6 ahead, and then rolled over them, only to have the race abandoned just before the bottom mark.
I think it was a good decision to abandon the race, but was a bit surprised as the same thing had happened the day before; however, that race had been shortened to the bottom mark. After the abandonment, we were sent ashore as racing had been called off for the rest of the day.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Warnemunde Week-Day 2
Wow, did I have an off day today! A 26th in the first race and a 10th in the second, was the damage at the end of the day, and I have dropped to 3rd overall. There are two more days of racing to go, and hopefully I can use the remaining four races to move back into the lead.
Race 1-I had a great start just down from the pin. I punched out, and started playing the threatening groups up the beat, to be sitting in the leading group after about 15 minutes of upwind with another 5 to go. Then the little wind we shut down, and a wind line filled in from the right hand side. I had no wind, so I couldnt cut my losses and get over there. About 25 boats sailed around me. Unfortunately, the race was shortened to the first downwind so there wasnt much time to catch back up.
Race 2-I had an okay start start down about 100m down from the boat end. I was doing ok, and still in touch with the lead bunch, but for the last hundred or so meters, I just got dumped on by another sailor. Not to sure who he was, or what his aim was in doing so, but we lost substantial distance on the lead group-too much to regain. There was a large shift on the first reach, and after that it was game over as the next beat was one tack, and the rest of the race was a reach.
Hopefully tomorrow will treat me better. Surprisingly, I am quite pleased to have a day like today as I learnt so much.
Race 1-I had a great start just down from the pin. I punched out, and started playing the threatening groups up the beat, to be sitting in the leading group after about 15 minutes of upwind with another 5 to go. Then the little wind we shut down, and a wind line filled in from the right hand side. I had no wind, so I couldnt cut my losses and get over there. About 25 boats sailed around me. Unfortunately, the race was shortened to the first downwind so there wasnt much time to catch back up.
Race 2-I had an okay start start down about 100m down from the boat end. I was doing ok, and still in touch with the lead bunch, but for the last hundred or so meters, I just got dumped on by another sailor. Not to sure who he was, or what his aim was in doing so, but we lost substantial distance on the lead group-too much to regain. There was a large shift on the first reach, and after that it was game over as the next beat was one tack, and the rest of the race was a reach.
Hopefully tomorrow will treat me better. Surprisingly, I am quite pleased to have a day like today as I learnt so much.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Warnemunde-Day 1
First day of racing at Warnemunde has now concluded. I had a great day today scoring two first places. It is quite an interesting change from racing at a Hyeres(SOF), Holland Regatta, or Kiel as there is quite a bit more space on the course. Also, there is only one fleet so the start line is quite big, and makes it imparative to start at the correct end. My starts were what helped me win both races, as each time, I came off close to the favored end, and then was able to extend up the work.
I am really happy to be doing this regatta, as the conditions today reminded me of racing in China-lighter winds with a bit of chop. Hopefully we will get a bit more of that, as there hasnt been to much light wind with chop at the grade ones this year.
For the last bit of my preparation, I am focusing on my adaptibility, and have traded a bit of gear with one of my training partners. In particular, we have found 3 top sections of different weight: one at the maximimum weight, one towards the average, and the lightest one we can find. My normal section is the heavy one, but for this event, I am using the average weight section. It was quite interesting to put it up, as the first thing I noticed was that I based more of my rig setup decisions on feel rather then looks as it setup with slight differences compared to my normal one. I am not trying to say that there are a massive performance difference between spars, but there are subtle differences, and I believe that becoming comfortable with different gear will be very important at the games when there are so many other distractions to deal with. Next week I will train with the light one.
I am really happy to be doing this regatta, as the conditions today reminded me of racing in China-lighter winds with a bit of chop. Hopefully we will get a bit more of that, as there hasnt been to much light wind with chop at the grade ones this year.
For the last bit of my preparation, I am focusing on my adaptibility, and have traded a bit of gear with one of my training partners. In particular, we have found 3 top sections of different weight: one at the maximimum weight, one towards the average, and the lightest one we can find. My normal section is the heavy one, but for this event, I am using the average weight section. It was quite interesting to put it up, as the first thing I noticed was that I based more of my rig setup decisions on feel rather then looks as it setup with slight differences compared to my normal one. I am not trying to say that there are a massive performance difference between spars, but there are subtle differences, and I believe that becoming comfortable with different gear will be very important at the games when there are so many other distractions to deal with. Next week I will train with the light one.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Kiel Week Final Report
Kiel Week finished a couple of days ago, and I ended up 3rd overall. My medal race was less then desired, as I received a yellow flag for coming out of my tack to quickly up the first work. I was quite surprised at the call, to say the least, but managed to catch up to Rasmus Mrygren of Sweden on the last lap to hold onto third place.
Overall, it was quite a good event for me. I had a few silly mistakes, like missing the start of one race, but feel that my speed, tactics/strategy, and boathandling are close to where they need to be for the Olympics. It looks like everyone is getting close to their China weight now, and it is quite easy to tell who has lost weight properly and who hasn't, as there are several top sailors who have taken quite a hit to their upwind speed in breeze. Ultimately, we will see who made the correct call in China, but I certainly wouldnt want to create a weakness in one area for a small gain in another.
I am now training in Warnemunde, Germany for the next event. My focus right now is on my land training, to maintain my weight and improve my fitness.
Overall, it was quite a good event for me. I had a few silly mistakes, like missing the start of one race, but feel that my speed, tactics/strategy, and boathandling are close to where they need to be for the Olympics. It looks like everyone is getting close to their China weight now, and it is quite easy to tell who has lost weight properly and who hasn't, as there are several top sailors who have taken quite a hit to their upwind speed in breeze. Ultimately, we will see who made the correct call in China, but I certainly wouldnt want to create a weakness in one area for a small gain in another.
I am now training in Warnemunde, Germany for the next event. My focus right now is on my land training, to maintain my weight and improve my fitness.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Kiel Week-Day 4
Today was a three race day in about 15-18 knots of wind. Tom Slingsby locked up the championship today, and just needs to finish the medal race to win the regatta. The results tell the story, and I think the big difference between Tom and everyone else at this event, has been his ability to get off the start line cleanly.
Personally, todays racing worked in my favor, and I moved up the standings to 3rd overall. Tomorrow is the medal race(final race of the regatta), and it looks like it will be a bit of a fight for the last two spots on the podium between Gustavo Lima, Rasmus Myrgren and myself. Not to sure what the forecast is, but I dont think it will make much difference as we are all strong sailors throughout the wind range.
Personally, todays racing worked in my favor, and I moved up the standings to 3rd overall. Tomorrow is the medal race(final race of the regatta), and it looks like it will be a bit of a fight for the last two spots on the podium between Gustavo Lima, Rasmus Myrgren and myself. Not to sure what the forecast is, but I dont think it will make much difference as we are all strong sailors throughout the wind range.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Kiel Week-Day two
The second day of Kiel is finished. It was a typical Kiel day-one hours sail out and another hour sail in, three hour long races, and 18 knots of wind.
I ran into a bit of difficulty today in the first race. The lasers have split fleet for qualifying, and I was in blue, which normally starts second. However, yellow fleet had a general recall, and the RC decided to shift blue into the starting slot. I didnt notice the change until about 30 seconds before the start. I tossed my jacket into the water(hoping someone would pick it up so I could claim it later), and made a dash for the start. I eventually crossed the line on port 15 second after the start. Unfortunately, the first(and major) shift was a lefty, while I was stuck out on the right. I managed to catch up to tenth in the race.
After the frustration of race 3, I was determined to have a good result. I started just up from the pin, and punched out shortly after the start, rounding the first weather mark in 3rd. I made a small split on the first run, and Andy Geritzer snuck around. Up the next beat, I made small gains back on the boats ahead to round the top mark right behind Andy, with a bit of a gap behind. Andy and I both had good runs to close on Tom Slingsby, with Andy rounding first, Tom second, and me in third right with them. The bottom reach was really broad, with Tom and I going high, and Andy slightly lower. Tom slipped by Andy, and towards the mark, I was making my move, but unfortunately needed one more foot to catch Andy at the mark. I had an average mark rounding, and got pinned by Diego Romero, who had a stellar bottom reach, and snuck by me on the last dash upwind.
In race 5, I started mid-line, and quickly punched out. The fleet held out to the left, and I tacked slightly earlier to lead them back right. I had Denis Karpak to weather, and the two of us charged back to the right to round 1-2. Denis sailed the next three legs slightly ahead. On the last run, I closed the distance, and to round just behind him for the bottom reach. Again, it was very broad, and I seemed to have a touch more pace. At the last mark, I was slightly ahead, but owed room to Denis. I had almost a boat length on him so I elected to round wide, and to leeward for the last beat to the finish. I pinched him off, and then protected my lead for the last little beat to win the race.
Overall, it is a bit of a weird day. I moved up 5 spots to 6th overall, which is really good, but on the otherhand, missing the start in the first race, and not attacking hard enough on the bottom reaach in race 4 cost me dearly in the points tally. I know that I will need to tidy up my sailing in the coming weeks, as I cant afford to be giving up bankable points. These points decide who wins and loses the event.
I ran into a bit of difficulty today in the first race. The lasers have split fleet for qualifying, and I was in blue, which normally starts second. However, yellow fleet had a general recall, and the RC decided to shift blue into the starting slot. I didnt notice the change until about 30 seconds before the start. I tossed my jacket into the water(hoping someone would pick it up so I could claim it later), and made a dash for the start. I eventually crossed the line on port 15 second after the start. Unfortunately, the first(and major) shift was a lefty, while I was stuck out on the right. I managed to catch up to tenth in the race.
After the frustration of race 3, I was determined to have a good result. I started just up from the pin, and punched out shortly after the start, rounding the first weather mark in 3rd. I made a small split on the first run, and Andy Geritzer snuck around. Up the next beat, I made small gains back on the boats ahead to round the top mark right behind Andy, with a bit of a gap behind. Andy and I both had good runs to close on Tom Slingsby, with Andy rounding first, Tom second, and me in third right with them. The bottom reach was really broad, with Tom and I going high, and Andy slightly lower. Tom slipped by Andy, and towards the mark, I was making my move, but unfortunately needed one more foot to catch Andy at the mark. I had an average mark rounding, and got pinned by Diego Romero, who had a stellar bottom reach, and snuck by me on the last dash upwind.
In race 5, I started mid-line, and quickly punched out. The fleet held out to the left, and I tacked slightly earlier to lead them back right. I had Denis Karpak to weather, and the two of us charged back to the right to round 1-2. Denis sailed the next three legs slightly ahead. On the last run, I closed the distance, and to round just behind him for the bottom reach. Again, it was very broad, and I seemed to have a touch more pace. At the last mark, I was slightly ahead, but owed room to Denis. I had almost a boat length on him so I elected to round wide, and to leeward for the last beat to the finish. I pinched him off, and then protected my lead for the last little beat to win the race.
Overall, it is a bit of a weird day. I moved up 5 spots to 6th overall, which is really good, but on the otherhand, missing the start in the first race, and not attacking hard enough on the bottom reaach in race 4 cost me dearly in the points tally. I know that I will need to tidy up my sailing in the coming weeks, as I cant afford to be giving up bankable points. These points decide who wins and loses the event.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Kiel Week-Day One
The first day of Kiel has finished up for the day. It was a relatively unusual start to the grade one with a 1pm start and only 2 races. The breeze was a moderate 10 knots and only took an hour to reach out to the course this morning. Pretty good for kiel standards, and in comparison to previous years. The first time I did this event, we didnt have a day under 18 knots(small tornados had touched down nearby to the regatta site), and took at least 1.5 hours to make it out to the course.
I had a pretty average day, but ended up with two good scores(4,5) to sit in about 9th overall. In the first race, I had a pretty good start just up from the pin. Unfortunately, I was pinned in, and had to sail through the first shift, waiting until it came back left again. At the top of the beat, I was looking at a low teens rounding, but after having to avoid a foul by a port tacker, and underlaying once, I rounded in the mid twenties. I picked off a couple boats on the top reach, then maybe 10-12 on the first run to round just in the top ten. Passed one or two up the next work, and then a couple more on the next run, reach, and last beat.
The second race for red fleet had a tricky first beat. There was a couple different breezes, and at the start, the boats at the pin were in a left breeze, and the guys at the boat were in a righty. I had a good start at the boat, but the lefty held a bit longer, and the pin end group came out a bit ahead. I tacked to leeward of the group and headed right for quite a ways. The breeze came back right a bit, and I reconnected with the group on the left. I rounded in 7th, and had good first run to close the lead on the pack in front. Around the bottom mark, the breeze was in the left. I tacked onto port, which was the long led, but unfortunately, the guys on the left had a bit more pressure, and legged out a bit. I closed the gap down on the next run and on the bottom reach, but couldnt sneak by the two boats just in front.
Racing continues tomorrow with a bit more breeze forecasted. There are 3 races scheduled with an 11AM start(930AM off the beach) so it should be an exhausting day.
I had a pretty average day, but ended up with two good scores(4,5) to sit in about 9th overall. In the first race, I had a pretty good start just up from the pin. Unfortunately, I was pinned in, and had to sail through the first shift, waiting until it came back left again. At the top of the beat, I was looking at a low teens rounding, but after having to avoid a foul by a port tacker, and underlaying once, I rounded in the mid twenties. I picked off a couple boats on the top reach, then maybe 10-12 on the first run to round just in the top ten. Passed one or two up the next work, and then a couple more on the next run, reach, and last beat.
The second race for red fleet had a tricky first beat. There was a couple different breezes, and at the start, the boats at the pin were in a left breeze, and the guys at the boat were in a righty. I had a good start at the boat, but the lefty held a bit longer, and the pin end group came out a bit ahead. I tacked to leeward of the group and headed right for quite a ways. The breeze came back right a bit, and I reconnected with the group on the left. I rounded in 7th, and had good first run to close the lead on the pack in front. Around the bottom mark, the breeze was in the left. I tacked onto port, which was the long led, but unfortunately, the guys on the left had a bit more pressure, and legged out a bit. I closed the gap down on the next run and on the bottom reach, but couldnt sneak by the two boats just in front.
Racing continues tomorrow with a bit more breeze forecasted. There are 3 races scheduled with an 11AM start(930AM off the beach) so it should be an exhausting day.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Holland Regatta-equipment preparation
It has been a long time since my last post. The only news I have to report on is the Holland regatta which finished up two weeks ago.
Overall it was an okay event for me. I had a horrible first day, and was sitting quite deep in the standings, and unfortunately, I started out the next day with an OCS, which really killed my chances of a podium finish. However I was really pleased with my recovery after those first four races, and to make it back to 7th overall. My starts were horrible all week, but tactically and strategically I was really with it, and clawed back through the fleet in more then my fair share of the races.
I think one of the big takeaways from this event was equipment preparation. At top level laser racing, sails really only last one major grade 1 event, and then get demoted to training or use at smaller regattas. Therefore, I normally go through between 5-7 sails a year. Typically, I buy all my sails for the season at one time, so that I can put them all up and compare shapes, note imperfections, and then rank them-saving the best ones for the most important regattas. However, for the Holland Regatta, I didnt have time to look at the latest batch of sails. Unfortunately, I had grabbed a sail with a really tight leech, and my speed suffered. It took me most of the first day to figure out the problem, and after that, I figured out how much I needed to free the sheet to bring back my normal groove.
Now I am not blaming my gear for my lack of speed. Instead, I am blaming my lack of preparation, as this was well within my control, and presents an interesting scenario for the games where the lasers are receiving supplied equipment. In China, it will be of the utmost importance to identify the differences between our normal gear, and the supplied gear. In particular, the stiffness of the mast, mast rake, and the shape of the sail. Then we will need to take this information, and be able to adapt our normal setup so that we are still getting the correct shapes and feel to maximize our boatspeed. I know this problem has plagued almost every top laser sailor I can think of at one stage or another, and whilst adapting may not win the Olympics, not adapting could certainly lose it.
Overall it was an okay event for me. I had a horrible first day, and was sitting quite deep in the standings, and unfortunately, I started out the next day with an OCS, which really killed my chances of a podium finish. However I was really pleased with my recovery after those first four races, and to make it back to 7th overall. My starts were horrible all week, but tactically and strategically I was really with it, and clawed back through the fleet in more then my fair share of the races.
I think one of the big takeaways from this event was equipment preparation. At top level laser racing, sails really only last one major grade 1 event, and then get demoted to training or use at smaller regattas. Therefore, I normally go through between 5-7 sails a year. Typically, I buy all my sails for the season at one time, so that I can put them all up and compare shapes, note imperfections, and then rank them-saving the best ones for the most important regattas. However, for the Holland Regatta, I didnt have time to look at the latest batch of sails. Unfortunately, I had grabbed a sail with a really tight leech, and my speed suffered. It took me most of the first day to figure out the problem, and after that, I figured out how much I needed to free the sheet to bring back my normal groove.
Now I am not blaming my gear for my lack of speed. Instead, I am blaming my lack of preparation, as this was well within my control, and presents an interesting scenario for the games where the lasers are receiving supplied equipment. In China, it will be of the utmost importance to identify the differences between our normal gear, and the supplied gear. In particular, the stiffness of the mast, mast rake, and the shape of the sail. Then we will need to take this information, and be able to adapt our normal setup so that we are still getting the correct shapes and feel to maximize our boatspeed. I know this problem has plagued almost every top laser sailor I can think of at one stage or another, and whilst adapting may not win the Olympics, not adapting could certainly lose it.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
French Olympic Week
I have just arrived home after racing in the French Olympic Week. We had a complete mix of conditions throughout the event, and for the most part, it was very chilly! After a couple of days of training, everyone was running off to the shops to stock up on warmer sailing gear.
I arrived about a week before the event, and planned to train relatively hard with a fair bit of intensity and duration. Unfortunately, I got sick while I was travelling and had to cut the volume of my training, resulting in just a couple of days of training prior to the event with Abe Torchinsky, my training partner. We were both feeling very rusty, as neither of us had done any full rig training since the end of the Worlds back in February. We went straight back into our 'generic' training session, which involves a bit of speed testing, followed by starting work, a bit of match racing, and then a difficult tacking drill.
The first two days of racing were windy-the first day being a steady onshore breeze, and the second, a shifty/gusty offshore breeze. I managed to put up four good scores on these days. The third day of the regatta was blown off quite early in the morning as the breeze was up over 30 knots. The next two days were gold fleet racing. I managed a solid 10th in the first race, but in the second, I sailed my drop(46)-a big mistake-more on that later.
Going into the final day of Gold fleet racing, I was sitting in 2nd place overall and was very nervous as the wind was light and patchy(one of my stronger conditions, but still very difficult). I had a cracking start in the first race of the day, which set me up for a great score(3) in that race. Most of the contenders had dropped back a bit after that race, and I knew Andrew Murdoch and I had a bit of a lead. However, at that stage, Murdoch's drop was a low teens score, while mine was a 46th. I knew going into the race, that he would go after me and try to push me back as far as possible to secure himself a lone solid lead.
Not much happened in the prestart between the two of us, but I made sure I kept a close eye on him. At about a minute to go, he tried to get a leeward overlap, but I managed to minimize the gap to leeward, leaving insufficient space for him. He found a hole a couple of boats down. At about 15 seconds to go, I could see that my start was going to fall apart as there was just too much congestion forming around me. I backed out of my spot and tried to tack out onto starboard; however, there was a starboard tacker that was there and refused to tack, leaving me with the only other option of gybing out, and being a few second late for the start on port. Fortunately, I was able to foot out and have a clear lane going right-where I had wanted to go. After about 1 minute, the breeze had shifted right, and there was only about 5 guys ahead of me. Three of them took this shift back across the course. I saw more pressure coming down out of the right and kept going. I dug in a bit more, and found a bit more pressure and even more shift, resulting in a healthy lead at the first weather mark.
Around the bottom mark, the course was changed, and the put a new compass bearing of 210 up on the board. This seemed strange as it was practically the same bearing of the old mark, but there was a red mark there, so I headed there. Long story short, the board had the wrong compass bearing and the change of course mark was the altered radial weather mark who were sailing on the outer loop. Our mark had been been up by the yngling course hidden in the glare of the low sun. This was very disappointing for me as Murdoch had been back in the race, and I would have had a nice lead heading into the medal race.
The race was then re-sailed and started at 7pm. After my performance in the abandoned race, I knew Murdoch wouldnt give me that sort of space again, and attacked in the pre-start. I tried to keep the match race a slow speed affair, as I knew that as soon as we started circling, and doing aggressive maneuvers, penalties were going to arise, which would work in Murdoch favor. Amusingly, at about 3 minutes to go, one of our more social mates thought we were just having a chat, so he came over to join us. It wasnt until he got quite close that he realized that we were engaged in a match race.
I was aware that I need a cracking start as if Andrew ever got close to me on the course, he would be able to slow me down considerably. At about 1:30 to go, we approached the line-Andrew was directly to leeward, and we were about 1/3 down from boat. Again, there was just too much congestion around(and having Andrew to leeward didnt help), so I backed out of the spot, and preceeded up the line to the boat. The gap between Andrew and I was quite tight, and I wouldnt be able to complete my tack, unless I found a spot to call for room to tack. Luckily for me, there was a gap that was just wide enough at the boat, which I was able to tack into, but forced Andrew to sail around about 5 other guys who were barging at the boat. I ended up tacking immediately as it looked like there was more pressure out right. I made nice gains out right, and then tacked back taking a couple of transoms. The breeze kept shifting right, and by the time I was about 5 boatlengths away from the mark I had a couple of boatlength lead over the fleet. However, there was a quite a bit of coach boat swell that had kicked up as they all blasted up around the course to get to the weather mark. I went through a bad set, and worked the boat to get through it. I'm not sure if the jury saw the chop or not, but they didnt like the body motions, and I took a yellow flag. I quickly did my spins, and managed to hole on for a low teens score.
Going into the medal race, I had a 2 point lead ahead of Andrew. Medal race scores are double points and non-droppable(medal race score breaks tie breakers), so it was who beat who would win the event. Andrew is a skilled teams racer having won a couple of world titles in that discipline, and I knew he would want to use the attacking skills he learnt while teams racing against me.
The breeze was very light and patchy. My only priority was to get off the line clean. I didnt want to put the decision of the race(and regatta) in the hands of the judges, and wanted to minimize Andrews ability to attack in the prestart. Because of that, I didnt tune up before the start, as I didnt want to get caught above the line in a inferior position. Instead, I waited to the right hand side of Andrew and the starting box until he approached me at about 3 minutes to go. We went into the typical circling that happens often in match racing. At this stage, all I was concerned about was when I should bail out and approach the line-too soon, and I would get caught in death corner, and too late, Andrew would have better positioning(pin end favored) and be able to push me back. At about 1 minute to go, I bailed out of the circling and led us back to the starting line. We both got off the line cleanly. I was on top of the pack at the pin, and Andrew was about 2 boat lengths to weather. I had a slightly better start, and when the pin end starters tacked out, they were unable to leebow me, but tacked under Andrew-forcing him into less pressure out right.
A couple of boats down at the pin tacked and crossed everyone. I sailed a bit past there line, and then followed them back making a small gain as the wind shifted further left. They then came back left, and dug in for more. I kept sailing, as I thought there was more pressure out right. Also, I wanted to consolidate the gains I had made on Andrew who was out right. I sailed until lay, when the right hand pressure filled in nicely and slammed Andrew, thus slowing him down. I managed to round in first, with Paul Goodison on my tail, and the others several boat lengths back. Paul Goodison slipped by me on the run as I was trying to extend my lead on Murdoch, and if I had tried to defend, we would have lost our healthy lead on the pack. Goodi won the race, and I followed a couple of boatlengths behind in second to win the event.
Overall, it was a gerat event for me. It is the first time I have raced the full rig down at the 79-80kg range, and I regret not racing at that weight sooner. In the past, all the Canadians have been up at the 84-85kg range, and I didnt want to give them an advantage going into our trials. I'm not far off my China weight, and I am still very pleased with my performance in the breeze even at this weight. I head back to Europe in just over a week, and will get back into the training in a big way. My coach, Kev Black, and other training partner(Luke Ramsey) will join up with Abe and I for the remainder of training leading up to the Games.
I arrived about a week before the event, and planned to train relatively hard with a fair bit of intensity and duration. Unfortunately, I got sick while I was travelling and had to cut the volume of my training, resulting in just a couple of days of training prior to the event with Abe Torchinsky, my training partner. We were both feeling very rusty, as neither of us had done any full rig training since the end of the Worlds back in February. We went straight back into our 'generic' training session, which involves a bit of speed testing, followed by starting work, a bit of match racing, and then a difficult tacking drill.
The first two days of racing were windy-the first day being a steady onshore breeze, and the second, a shifty/gusty offshore breeze. I managed to put up four good scores on these days. The third day of the regatta was blown off quite early in the morning as the breeze was up over 30 knots. The next two days were gold fleet racing. I managed a solid 10th in the first race, but in the second, I sailed my drop(46)-a big mistake-more on that later.
Going into the final day of Gold fleet racing, I was sitting in 2nd place overall and was very nervous as the wind was light and patchy(one of my stronger conditions, but still very difficult). I had a cracking start in the first race of the day, which set me up for a great score(3) in that race. Most of the contenders had dropped back a bit after that race, and I knew Andrew Murdoch and I had a bit of a lead. However, at that stage, Murdoch's drop was a low teens score, while mine was a 46th. I knew going into the race, that he would go after me and try to push me back as far as possible to secure himself a lone solid lead.
Not much happened in the prestart between the two of us, but I made sure I kept a close eye on him. At about a minute to go, he tried to get a leeward overlap, but I managed to minimize the gap to leeward, leaving insufficient space for him. He found a hole a couple of boats down. At about 15 seconds to go, I could see that my start was going to fall apart as there was just too much congestion forming around me. I backed out of my spot and tried to tack out onto starboard; however, there was a starboard tacker that was there and refused to tack, leaving me with the only other option of gybing out, and being a few second late for the start on port. Fortunately, I was able to foot out and have a clear lane going right-where I had wanted to go. After about 1 minute, the breeze had shifted right, and there was only about 5 guys ahead of me. Three of them took this shift back across the course. I saw more pressure coming down out of the right and kept going. I dug in a bit more, and found a bit more pressure and even more shift, resulting in a healthy lead at the first weather mark.
Around the bottom mark, the course was changed, and the put a new compass bearing of 210 up on the board. This seemed strange as it was practically the same bearing of the old mark, but there was a red mark there, so I headed there. Long story short, the board had the wrong compass bearing and the change of course mark was the altered radial weather mark who were sailing on the outer loop. Our mark had been been up by the yngling course hidden in the glare of the low sun. This was very disappointing for me as Murdoch had been back in the race, and I would have had a nice lead heading into the medal race.
The race was then re-sailed and started at 7pm. After my performance in the abandoned race, I knew Murdoch wouldnt give me that sort of space again, and attacked in the pre-start. I tried to keep the match race a slow speed affair, as I knew that as soon as we started circling, and doing aggressive maneuvers, penalties were going to arise, which would work in Murdoch favor. Amusingly, at about 3 minutes to go, one of our more social mates thought we were just having a chat, so he came over to join us. It wasnt until he got quite close that he realized that we were engaged in a match race.
I was aware that I need a cracking start as if Andrew ever got close to me on the course, he would be able to slow me down considerably. At about 1:30 to go, we approached the line-Andrew was directly to leeward, and we were about 1/3 down from boat. Again, there was just too much congestion around(and having Andrew to leeward didnt help), so I backed out of the spot, and preceeded up the line to the boat. The gap between Andrew and I was quite tight, and I wouldnt be able to complete my tack, unless I found a spot to call for room to tack. Luckily for me, there was a gap that was just wide enough at the boat, which I was able to tack into, but forced Andrew to sail around about 5 other guys who were barging at the boat. I ended up tacking immediately as it looked like there was more pressure out right. I made nice gains out right, and then tacked back taking a couple of transoms. The breeze kept shifting right, and by the time I was about 5 boatlengths away from the mark I had a couple of boatlength lead over the fleet. However, there was a quite a bit of coach boat swell that had kicked up as they all blasted up around the course to get to the weather mark. I went through a bad set, and worked the boat to get through it. I'm not sure if the jury saw the chop or not, but they didnt like the body motions, and I took a yellow flag. I quickly did my spins, and managed to hole on for a low teens score.
Going into the medal race, I had a 2 point lead ahead of Andrew. Medal race scores are double points and non-droppable(medal race score breaks tie breakers), so it was who beat who would win the event. Andrew is a skilled teams racer having won a couple of world titles in that discipline, and I knew he would want to use the attacking skills he learnt while teams racing against me.
The breeze was very light and patchy. My only priority was to get off the line clean. I didnt want to put the decision of the race(and regatta) in the hands of the judges, and wanted to minimize Andrews ability to attack in the prestart. Because of that, I didnt tune up before the start, as I didnt want to get caught above the line in a inferior position. Instead, I waited to the right hand side of Andrew and the starting box until he approached me at about 3 minutes to go. We went into the typical circling that happens often in match racing. At this stage, all I was concerned about was when I should bail out and approach the line-too soon, and I would get caught in death corner, and too late, Andrew would have better positioning(pin end favored) and be able to push me back. At about 1 minute to go, I bailed out of the circling and led us back to the starting line. We both got off the line cleanly. I was on top of the pack at the pin, and Andrew was about 2 boat lengths to weather. I had a slightly better start, and when the pin end starters tacked out, they were unable to leebow me, but tacked under Andrew-forcing him into less pressure out right.
A couple of boats down at the pin tacked and crossed everyone. I sailed a bit past there line, and then followed them back making a small gain as the wind shifted further left. They then came back left, and dug in for more. I kept sailing, as I thought there was more pressure out right. Also, I wanted to consolidate the gains I had made on Andrew who was out right. I sailed until lay, when the right hand pressure filled in nicely and slammed Andrew, thus slowing him down. I managed to round in first, with Paul Goodison on my tail, and the others several boat lengths back. Paul Goodison slipped by me on the run as I was trying to extend my lead on Murdoch, and if I had tried to defend, we would have lost our healthy lead on the pack. Goodi won the race, and I followed a couple of boatlengths behind in second to win the event.
Overall, it was a gerat event for me. It is the first time I have raced the full rig down at the 79-80kg range, and I regret not racing at that weight sooner. In the past, all the Canadians have been up at the 84-85kg range, and I didnt want to give them an advantage going into our trials. I'm not far off my China weight, and I am still very pleased with my performance in the breeze even at this weight. I head back to Europe in just over a week, and will get back into the training in a big way. My coach, Kev Black, and other training partner(Luke Ramsey) will join up with Abe and I for the remainder of training leading up to the Games.
Monday, March 31, 2008
A Few Lessons From the Last Few Months
After taking almost 2 months off after the Laser Worlds, I am getting back into full rig sailiing. Over that time, I have been working on my fitness, and have taken the opportunity to sail on Farr40, Sydney 38, and Laser Radial with some succes(2nd at Australian Farr40 Nationals, 1st at Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta-Sydney 38, and 1st at the Mens Radial World Championships). It has been a wonderful opportunity, and I have learnt heaps sailing these other boats.
I have had some really big takeaways during that time. First, I realized how important fitness is to sailing success-no matter what boat you sail. From my laser experience, fitness has a direct and dramatic impact on your boatspeed, however I thought that you just needed to be reasonably fit to sail on a yacht. Not so... Being fit will improve your grinding, trimming, hoisting, and most of all, will make you less likely to fatigue from race to race and day to day. On boats like Farr40s where there is a set weight limit, you need to make sure that every pound counts, and is more then just moveable ballast. Races are won and lost by feet, and if you are able to consistantly hoist 1 second faster then your competition, those gains will add up over the course of an event.
Second, I learnt the importance of pacing yourself in your preparation for a major event. While you don't want to slack off until the month or week before, you need to have an understanding of what needs to be done and when. More isn't always better, which brings me to my next point. All to often, people(myself included) have gone out and put in hours and hours of junk miles. While they will help your fitness they often detract from the ultimate goal. Training should always be done with purpose, and by going out and putting in hundreds of hours of junk miles, you often diminish your motivation, and typically end up practicing bad habits. If the intensity isnt there, then go in, and come back when you are ready. It is as simple as train like you would race. If you train at 50% intensity, you shouldnt expect to race at much more then 50% intensity. Obviously, you need to make sure that you break the skills down into managable chunks, but always train them with intensity.
Third, all to often, people follow the the basic general rules of thumb way to much(eg tack when you can cross, sail the long tack first, etc). Rules are meant to be broken. To call tactics successfully, you need to constantly be analyzing what is happening on the course in terms of pressure, wind direction and current. Then you need to assess what other boats are doing, your confidence in your judgement, and determine the amount of risk you are willing take. Often, you will end up following the general rules, but there will be plenty of times when you successfully dont.
Fourth-be prepared to back yourself. I have seen many different tactical styles of racing. Some people are very conservative and not willing to take much risk while others as much more likely to take risk. This has been one of the biggest things I have learnt over the last couple of months. Watching Slingo call tactics on the farr has really opened my eyes to why he wins so many events, as when he is confident in his decisions, he backs them.
I have had some really big takeaways during that time. First, I realized how important fitness is to sailing success-no matter what boat you sail. From my laser experience, fitness has a direct and dramatic impact on your boatspeed, however I thought that you just needed to be reasonably fit to sail on a yacht. Not so... Being fit will improve your grinding, trimming, hoisting, and most of all, will make you less likely to fatigue from race to race and day to day. On boats like Farr40s where there is a set weight limit, you need to make sure that every pound counts, and is more then just moveable ballast. Races are won and lost by feet, and if you are able to consistantly hoist 1 second faster then your competition, those gains will add up over the course of an event.
Second, I learnt the importance of pacing yourself in your preparation for a major event. While you don't want to slack off until the month or week before, you need to have an understanding of what needs to be done and when. More isn't always better, which brings me to my next point. All to often, people(myself included) have gone out and put in hours and hours of junk miles. While they will help your fitness they often detract from the ultimate goal. Training should always be done with purpose, and by going out and putting in hundreds of hours of junk miles, you often diminish your motivation, and typically end up practicing bad habits. If the intensity isnt there, then go in, and come back when you are ready. It is as simple as train like you would race. If you train at 50% intensity, you shouldnt expect to race at much more then 50% intensity. Obviously, you need to make sure that you break the skills down into managable chunks, but always train them with intensity.
Third, all to often, people follow the the basic general rules of thumb way to much(eg tack when you can cross, sail the long tack first, etc). Rules are meant to be broken. To call tactics successfully, you need to constantly be analyzing what is happening on the course in terms of pressure, wind direction and current. Then you need to assess what other boats are doing, your confidence in your judgement, and determine the amount of risk you are willing take. Often, you will end up following the general rules, but there will be plenty of times when you successfully dont.
Fourth-be prepared to back yourself. I have seen many different tactical styles of racing. Some people are very conservative and not willing to take much risk while others as much more likely to take risk. This has been one of the biggest things I have learnt over the last couple of months. Watching Slingo call tactics on the farr has really opened my eyes to why he wins so many events, as when he is confident in his decisions, he backs them.
Mens Radial Worlds
The mens laser radial world championships ended a couple of days ago. Being my first radial event, I did not expect much. My preparation did not help my confidence, as the total amount of radial sailing I had done in my life consisted of 4 days of training immediately prior to the event.
Going into the event, I knew that my unpwind rig setup would need the most attention, as the radial and full rig setups are quite different. Being at least 10kg overweight for the boat, I thought I would try to power up the rig like I do in the full rig by dropping the foot out and leaving the cunningham completely off until I started to get overpowered. However, with the help of Brad Funk and Eric Stibbe, I quickly learnt that the extra power was ineffective as the foot quickly became too deep, and leaving the cunningham off meant the draft was to far aft leading to excessive weather helm. Also, I found the leach quite tight and hooked, and pulling on a touch of cunningham helped add a bit of twist into the sail allowing a bit wider groove.
Fortunately for a fatty like myself, we had good breeze all week, with the breeze dropping below 10 knots in only one race. The conditions were absolutely prefect with waves that were ideal for downwind surfing. We spent all week catching amazing rides-I wish every event I sail has conditions as great as we had in Takapuna!
Along with my surprising result at this event, I had many takeaway lessons from this event. My two major goals for the event were to expand my knowledge of sail trim, and to determine where the breakdown in my decision making process is when I am under stress. I am happy to report that both goals have been accomplished, and it is a huge relief to have isolated the mental hurdle that has plagued me in the past. I am really excited about figuring this out, and now will focus extensively on improving this area.
Going into the event, I knew that my unpwind rig setup would need the most attention, as the radial and full rig setups are quite different. Being at least 10kg overweight for the boat, I thought I would try to power up the rig like I do in the full rig by dropping the foot out and leaving the cunningham completely off until I started to get overpowered. However, with the help of Brad Funk and Eric Stibbe, I quickly learnt that the extra power was ineffective as the foot quickly became too deep, and leaving the cunningham off meant the draft was to far aft leading to excessive weather helm. Also, I found the leach quite tight and hooked, and pulling on a touch of cunningham helped add a bit of twist into the sail allowing a bit wider groove.
Fortunately for a fatty like myself, we had good breeze all week, with the breeze dropping below 10 knots in only one race. The conditions were absolutely prefect with waves that were ideal for downwind surfing. We spent all week catching amazing rides-I wish every event I sail has conditions as great as we had in Takapuna!
Along with my surprising result at this event, I had many takeaway lessons from this event. My two major goals for the event were to expand my knowledge of sail trim, and to determine where the breakdown in my decision making process is when I am under stress. I am happy to report that both goals have been accomplished, and it is a huge relief to have isolated the mental hurdle that has plagued me in the past. I am really excited about figuring this out, and now will focus extensively on improving this area.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Transfusion Farr 40 Racing
Over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed a bit of time away from sailing my laser, and have gotten back into the Farr 40 racing for the remainder of the Australian circuit.
The first regatta back was the Sprint Series held out of the CYCA. This was a two day regatta, and follows a slightly different format then the normal Farr 40 regattas: the races are shorter, and racing was held inshore on the Sunday. It was a bit of a rough event for team Transfusion as we had not sailed together as a crew for quite some time. We ended up 5th overall, but came away with some good takeaways from the event.
The following weekend, we raced the Australian nationals out of RSYS. After a bit of boatwork during the week, and the crew hiking significantly harder, our boatspeed showed considerable improvement from previous regattas earlier on in the season. This certainly reflected in the results as we were sitting second after the first day of racing. We had the same scores on the second day of racing, and went into the final day on equal points with second. On the last day, Tom Slingsby, the boat's tactician, did an awesome job of getting us off the line and putting us in solid positions around the racecourse. We ended the day with a 1,4,1 to win boat of the day. Unfortunately, it was not enough to catch Kokomo, who sailed consistantly at the front of the fleet for the entire event. We ended up 2nd in the nationals, and 2nd on the Australian circuit-a great way to end the boat's first season!
The first regatta back was the Sprint Series held out of the CYCA. This was a two day regatta, and follows a slightly different format then the normal Farr 40 regattas: the races are shorter, and racing was held inshore on the Sunday. It was a bit of a rough event for team Transfusion as we had not sailed together as a crew for quite some time. We ended up 5th overall, but came away with some good takeaways from the event.
The following weekend, we raced the Australian nationals out of RSYS. After a bit of boatwork during the week, and the crew hiking significantly harder, our boatspeed showed considerable improvement from previous regattas earlier on in the season. This certainly reflected in the results as we were sitting second after the first day of racing. We had the same scores on the second day of racing, and went into the final day on equal points with second. On the last day, Tom Slingsby, the boat's tactician, did an awesome job of getting us off the line and putting us in solid positions around the racecourse. We ended the day with a 1,4,1 to win boat of the day. Unfortunately, it was not enough to catch Kokomo, who sailed consistantly at the front of the fleet for the entire event. We ended up 2nd in the nationals, and 2nd on the Australian circuit-a great way to end the boat's first season!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Laser Worlds Report
So the laser worlds finished up a couple of weeks ago, and after a difficult event, I managed to qualify for the Olympics. I have quite mixed feelings about the event, as although I am ecstatic about qualifying for the games, I was incredibly disappointed with my overall worlds score of 23rd. I had put in a heap of work in the months preceeding the Worlds, and had been sailing much better at the regattas in lead up.
For the most part, I executed my trained skills very well. I had consistently good starts, and my speed for the most part was significantly better then my standing indicates. The area where I ran into trouble was from 30 seconds after the start until the first weather mark. I had not adapted my decision making to the worlds style of racing, and had far to many calls go the wrong way. It was not until the finals series races that I finally started to get my act together, and became more patient with the shifts.
For the majority of the regatta, my good friend and training partner, Abe Torthchinsky, led the Canadian olympic trials. Abe has worked with me tirelessly for the last few months, and I would like to thank him for all his help during that time. I would also like to congratulate him for sailing an excellent event. He is becoming an exceptional sailor, and his performance at the worlds is just a sign of what is to come!
I wouldn't be making the trip to Beijing later this year without the help of so many people and organizations. I would like to thank the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, BC Sailing and the Canadian Yachting Association for their continued over the years. Also, I would like to thank the PJ Phelan Sailing foundation as without their help over the last couple of years, I would not be able to sail full time and pursue my goal of winning an Olympic medal.
For the most part, I executed my trained skills very well. I had consistently good starts, and my speed for the most part was significantly better then my standing indicates. The area where I ran into trouble was from 30 seconds after the start until the first weather mark. I had not adapted my decision making to the worlds style of racing, and had far to many calls go the wrong way. It was not until the finals series races that I finally started to get my act together, and became more patient with the shifts.
For the majority of the regatta, my good friend and training partner, Abe Torthchinsky, led the Canadian olympic trials. Abe has worked with me tirelessly for the last few months, and I would like to thank him for all his help during that time. I would also like to congratulate him for sailing an excellent event. He is becoming an exceptional sailor, and his performance at the worlds is just a sign of what is to come!
I wouldn't be making the trip to Beijing later this year without the help of so many people and organizations. I would like to thank the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, BC Sailing and the Canadian Yachting Association for their continued over the years. Also, I would like to thank the PJ Phelan Sailing foundation as without their help over the last couple of years, I would not be able to sail full time and pursue my goal of winning an Olympic medal.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Sail Melbourne-Day 6-Medal Race
Sail Melbourne-Day 6-Medal Race-Today started out under postponement as there was very little wind on the course area. Eventually, we headed out to the course area. After watching several other fleets before us, we got underway in a very light gradient. I had a poor start three boats up from the pin, and spent most of the first work getting bounced around by boats infront. I rounded the top mark in 8th. On the first run the fleet split to either side, and I managed to find a great lane down the center of the course to round the bottom mark in second. Up the next work, the group split again. I got stuck in the middle for a little bit, but eventually headed out right to get a bit more pressure up the top of the course to round the top in 2nd. On the last run I went down the middle of the course again. At the bottom I had two guys setting up to attack on the inside of me. I choose to stay on the outside, to protect my position against my closest rivals in the overall standings who were also on the outside. I ended up third in the race which moved me up to 5th overall.
Now I am back in Sydney for a few days of light training, before heading up to Terrigal on the 24th.
Now I am back in Sydney for a few days of light training, before heading up to Terrigal on the 24th.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Sail Melbourne Day 5
Day 5-Sail Melbourne-Today's forecast calling for 20-25 knots from the East never materialized. Instead, we were greeted with drifting conditions, and a two hour postponement. Finally the racing got under way with a light gradient breeze. Like every other day, the fleet had several general recalls, and finally got away under a black flag start.
With about a minute left in the sequence, I noticed a right hand shift which squared up the line. I immediately headed up to the boat to get away from the majority of the fleet fighting for the pin, and started underneath a small pack at the boat.
I managed to pop out from underneath my pack at the boat, and headed left with the fleet. There were a few boats that popped out from the pin, but most boats down at that end struggled for speed and crossed behind me. Eventually, the lead boats from the left came back, and I tacked to leeward of them, leading them back to the mark to round tenth.
The first run was difficult as the main pack behind sprawled out across the course, making it very difficult to find clear air. We all came back into the bottom mark together, and I managed to sneak around a few guys on the run. The rest of the race a bit of follow the leader with no major passing lanes, ending with an 8th. To my disappointment, that was the only race of the day. I now lie 8th overall heading into tomorrow's medal race. It looks like it will be a very tight race as 6th-10th are only separated by 3 points.
Cheers,
Mike
With about a minute left in the sequence, I noticed a right hand shift which squared up the line. I immediately headed up to the boat to get away from the majority of the fleet fighting for the pin, and started underneath a small pack at the boat.
I managed to pop out from underneath my pack at the boat, and headed left with the fleet. There were a few boats that popped out from the pin, but most boats down at that end struggled for speed and crossed behind me. Eventually, the lead boats from the left came back, and I tacked to leeward of them, leading them back to the mark to round tenth.
The first run was difficult as the main pack behind sprawled out across the course, making it very difficult to find clear air. We all came back into the bottom mark together, and I managed to sneak around a few guys on the run. The rest of the race a bit of follow the leader with no major passing lanes, ending with an 8th. To my disappointment, that was the only race of the day. I now lie 8th overall heading into tomorrow's medal race. It looks like it will be a very tight race as 6th-10th are only separated by 3 points.
Cheers,
Mike
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sail Melbourne Day 4
Day 4-Sail Melbourne-Ground hog day again. The breeze started out around ten knots when we arrived at the club. Once we got on the water, we could feel the breeze starting to kick, and by the time the first race was started, the breeze was between 14-16 knots.
After several general recalls, the first gold fleet race finally got off under a black flag. I lost sight of my transit early on in the sequence, but fortunately was hidden between a bulge a bit below and above-both groups having sailors called OCS. I developed a pretty good lane, and headed out towards the left towards some pressure. I eventually tacked under and ahead of the group coming back from the left, and managed to get around the windard mark in around 5th-having a few boats from the right coming in ahead. I didn't seem to have my normal pace today, and got engulfed by the pack behind, ending up 7th in the race.
Race two was a similar story with a bit more breeze: a few generals followed by heading out left up the first work. I unfortunately got pinned by another sailor a bit further left then I would have liked, and rounded the top in about 6th. Again, my pace downwind was really off-normally the runs are my bread and butter. I got passed by 2-3 boats a run, and capsized on the second downwind, finishing a lackluster 13th.
With one more day of Gold fleet racing, it looks like it will be a bit of a battle for the prized medal race spots. At the moment, I am in tenth overall, 8 points ahead of 15th, and 5 points away from 5th. The forecast is calling for more of the same: 20-25 knots, but this time from the east.
All for now,
Mike
After several general recalls, the first gold fleet race finally got off under a black flag. I lost sight of my transit early on in the sequence, but fortunately was hidden between a bulge a bit below and above-both groups having sailors called OCS. I developed a pretty good lane, and headed out towards the left towards some pressure. I eventually tacked under and ahead of the group coming back from the left, and managed to get around the windard mark in around 5th-having a few boats from the right coming in ahead. I didn't seem to have my normal pace today, and got engulfed by the pack behind, ending up 7th in the race.
Race two was a similar story with a bit more breeze: a few generals followed by heading out left up the first work. I unfortunately got pinned by another sailor a bit further left then I would have liked, and rounded the top in about 6th. Again, my pace downwind was really off-normally the runs are my bread and butter. I got passed by 2-3 boats a run, and capsized on the second downwind, finishing a lackluster 13th.
With one more day of Gold fleet racing, it looks like it will be a bit of a battle for the prized medal race spots. At the moment, I am in tenth overall, 8 points ahead of 15th, and 5 points away from 5th. The forecast is calling for more of the same: 20-25 knots, but this time from the east.
All for now,
Mike
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