Christmas is almost here and I hope everyone is enjoying their time with family and friends!
With holidays and Christmas here, the focus for the NS14 Nationals which start on Tuesday, is to just get out there and have a bit of fun; enjoy the California Times. We have done a lot of work, travelling to Cronulla, the venue for the Nationals, every second week, as well as sailing through the week with training partners Mel and Craig Davidson.
Boat work has been the focus of the past week for both boats, Mel and Craig are tuned up for a wide range of conditions. Chris and I are struggling in the lighter stuff, but a rocket in the heavy. Last Sunday up at Cronulla we managed a 2, 3 (with a capsize) and 3 to come second overall on the day. Four of the good guys for the Nationals were out, so it was a great final hit out!
We haven’t quite got the ideal sails for this event (our mainsail is a bit flat for an offshore venue), but there comes a time where you just have to bite the bullet and go with what you have. We don’t have the funds to put towards the NS (my money is focussed on the 470 and Chris is studying) so we are better off going into the regatta with a chilled attitude to see what we can do, rather than stressing about what we don’t have. The Davidson’s along with about four other boats are exceptionally well prepared over a range of conditions. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out! I am looking forward to my first major regatta in the NS14, and sailing with Chriso. It has been great fun training over the past few months (slight training addiction) in the NS14 and a big thanks to Chris, and Mel and Craig for all the fun times so far this summer!
For a taste, you can view my video from the last few months on California Times via my YouTube channel or below.
California Times: chilling out and enjoying the sunshine fits well with the spirit of the holidays!
Congratulations to all the Australian sailors who competed in Perth for the ISAF Worlds earlier this month! Especially Mat & Mal, Tommy, and Nathan & Goobs who are the most recent Australian world champs (470M, Laser, 49er)! We have also qualified for 470W, WMR, Laser Radial (go K-time!) and RS:X W. Fantastic results which are just awesome ahead of next year’s Olympics, and top it all off the coverage from the event was brilliant for our sport in general.
It is exciting that Elise and Belinda managed to qualify Australia for the 470W in Perth. I managed to get out on my 470 on Tuesday night, while the HPS squad were out on their Lasers tuning up for their nationals. We had a storm come through which meant for some great rides! I am looking forward to getting on the helm more often once the NS14s finish up on 3 January. I am looking for roles in Sydney at the moment with the hope of moving to Sydney in mid-March and joining in with the MHYC 470 squad.
It was fantastic on Wednesday night to see all the boats in the CYC twilight decked out in their tinsel – great way to finish of the working year and kick off my holidays! Get excited! I will keep you updated via Twitter and Facebook on my sailing over the next few weeks!
I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and all my wishes for an awesome 2012
