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!
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