Friday, June 17, 2011

Sail For Gold Wrap-Up

After a couple days to gain some perspective we are able to better analyze the event. We were disappointed with our overall position of 50th out of 68. We finally had found some confidence in our sailing following the Delta Lloyd Regatta, and felt prepared to put forth a great event. Unfortunately, some things happened in the racing- some our fault, others not, that saw us finish below our potential. We felt misfortune found us at every corner. For instance, the first DNF was a 6th at the first windward mark before a peculiar situation developed in a fickle 2-6 knots, and absolutely owned us.

But have faith! We remain optimistic about our chances in the 49er. We broke down all the qualifying races (before Gold and Silver split), and realized that we were in the top 15 (two top 10) in every race. Our goal remains to finish off our strong starts to the races. Seeing the points that we gave away throughout the event leaves us wondering with the what ifs…

Our speed overall is getting better. In both <7 and >18 we feel confident with our speed (Our best roundings were in both these conditions). Our problem remains in the mid-range where we just lack the wheels of the top boats. Our goal is to focus hard on this wind-range and hopefully with some advice from some friends in the fleet we can get going well.

Tactically speaking, we did not sail our best regatta, but certainly well enough to be mid fleet. This, despite the FULL-ON conditions we saw for 90% of the event (the other 10% was in 0-6 from the land in our first two races). Moving forward, our goal to refine our speed in the 8-14knots remains Number 1.

After a couple weeks off to recharge the battery will are heading up to Finland to compete in the European Championships. No doubt there will be some long days that far north!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Sail For Gold Update

We have completed six races over the three days of racing in the two extremes of wind conditions(really light and extremely windy). Our first two races were raced in a light and variable offshore 2-6 knots with our final race seeing a 180 degree wind shift! Over the last two days, we have seen 18-25knots with higher gusts in some of the waviest and gnarly sailing to date. Our hands have certainly been full!

Our results are not impressive, and we feel quite bummed about them. However, beneath the scores, we have had some brilliant moments throughout the two extreme conditions. First off, our speed all around has been a positive that has us feeling quite good. Secondly, our confidence on the starting line has improved, which has not surprisingly led to us having more consistent starts. Thirdly, we have been in the top 15(two in top 10) at the first mark in all of our races.

We have said it before, but I will say it again. We are still trying to put the whole race together. Throughout the races, we have been plagued by a few mishaps between mechanical issues, tactical conundrums and some boat set-up issues. Sailing in these tough extreme conditions has definitely made it a lot more difficult. But, regardless of the dissatisfaction of the racing thus far, we are still upbeat about the final two days of racing.

So, onto Silver Fleet tomorrow. With our confidence still there, we hope to finally crank out a few good finishes with six races remaining. Keep posted as the breeze is meant to cooperate!