Summer 2010

We were feeling good going into the summer season, after having a good MOCR in January (http://rmocr.ussailing.org/Past_Regattas/2010/2010_Miami_OCR.htm). We had a choice to make, send our boat over to Europe or charter one there, When GBR 034 became available we decided it was the best option to charter.  We were plaqued with problems from the start, I could go into along winded list of reasons why we didn’t perform but I don’t like to roll that way, what I will do is share what was learned from the experience. Familiarity is vital at the high pressure events so use your own boat! There are already so many things that can go wrong on a Skud, why increase the odds? and Steve was missed (don’t tell him I said that)

The first event was in Medemblik, Netherlands, the first time we had sailed in Holland (http://ifdsworlds2010.com). The weather was warm with light breeze. We had Craig Cuthrie working with us for the event, everyone was excited to work together. However our speed was never good all week, which made it very difficult to stay focused and positive, but we all did the best we could, I was happy with the event from viewpoint of mental toughness but disappointed with our results. It was the first time racing against the Mk2 Skud, it was faster so know we know. That was a huge ? – clearly answered at the event.

We had a break between regattas: Brenda stayed over in the UK and I headed home. But after two weeks we were back at it with the Sail For Gold regatta (http://www.skandiasailforgoldregatta.co.uk) at the Paralympic venue, Weymouth, England. It’s always a great opportunity to sail in those waters. We had Brian Todd working with us so we had some familiarity that was needed. We were chartering the same Skud as before so we knew our speed issues, but again we sailed to our best. It was tough mentally being out sailed by the new boat, again a good mental exercise (easily said). Sailing in Weymouth harbour has shown us that the wind direction can come from anywhere, proving to be gusty, shifty with short steep chop, conditions that we need practice in. We had some very positive feedback with regards to the choices we made on the race course, something we have been working on. Yeah, something positive!

Some of us stayed at the Canada House, a WIND Athletes (http://www.windathletes.ca) supported house which provides accommodation for Canadian Sailing Team members in Weymouth while training for there campaigns. This is a huge help especially because England isn’t very chair friendly, so the comfort of knowing I have a warm comfortable place to stay makes me able to focus on my job. A huge “Thank You” to WIND Athletes for your support!    

John & Brenda