What a summer it has been so far – thank goodness for long summer days or I just wouldn’t be able to fit it all in!
The Sailing Chix with Nix radio show has been a highlight, especially being a part of the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart show. What a way to see my first Hobart start live from up above all of the action at Tania Park! As well as all the key Hobart players we have had the opportunity to chat with some fantastic people, including the organisers of the Australia Day Regatta and the Ferrython and the boys from Objective Australia who head of on their Youth AC campaign this month!
Back to my own sailing, Dad and I managed to take out the Tasar Nationals over the Christmas and New Year period with a race to spare. I can’t express enough how much fun it is to sail with Dad, whether I am crewing or skippering – I feel that I am incredibly lucky to be one of those people who has experienced the true meaning of “team”.
Two Girls Sailing have been on the water training a number of times in 2013, including a lovely little sail yesterday afternoon. We are looking forward to heading up to Port Stephens next week for the 470 Nationals to see how we are progressing. A few epiphany moments in the past few weeks, loving our gybes!
In amongst 470 and Tasar sailing, I also managed to compete at the Spiral Nationals in Canberra over the Australia Day long weekend. Was great to be back in Canberra and catch up with everyone from the club and also in the Spiral class. I really love sailing the Spiral for two reasons; firstly, it is fantastic to get out on the water in a boat by myself that is within my control and have some close fair racing, secondly, the people within the fleet create such a positive and supportive community that it makes me want to come back time after time. Despite the light weather (see the conditions) we still got a series in, and I managed to finish seventh overall, 20 points clear of the next female. I am looking forward to getting back in the Spiral as soon as possible!
As a true sailor girl, my summer will extend well into Autumn, and there is still much more on the cards for this season on top of the 470 Nationals next week! There will be a bit of time in the Tasar, with the States over Easter, leading up to the Worlds in August. I will hopefully do the NSW Spiral States up at Lake Macquarie in March and who knows what else!
I finally managed to have my first go on the VX One the other week, and I can definitely say it was way too much fun for a Monday afternoon! Hopefully there will be a few more mid week rides on this rocket ship! If you haven’t had a go on one yet, you really should check it out!
Until next time, get out there and enjoy your adventures, and long live summer!
