Two weeks spent training and racing in Hog Island Bay for the 29er National Championships as well as the US Youth Championships brought a wide variety of conditions and great learning opportunities for our whole team. Carly Keiding, my skipper from SBYC and I have been together in the boat for about a year. 29er Nationals, sailed out of Roger Williams University’ beautiful boat house brought light wind and flat water, pushing us to focus on current and boat speed on the course. Following Nationals we had a few days of more light air training between the two events.
US Sailing’s 50th anniversary of Youth Championships was also sailed out of Roger Williams University with many more fleets joining the 29er and an opening ceremony celebration which recognized sailors from the 1st Youth Champs regatta.
Conditions for 2023 Youth Championships brought a big change in breeze, with wind in the 15-18 kt range and big chop. Unfortunately, a major boat breakdown meant my skipper and I did not compete on the first day of the event, but we were excited to return for more action on day two with medium breeze and lots of great competition. Days three and four also brought a great breeze and lots of fun and tight racing. Although we had a tough start to the regatta, my skipper and I were able to climb our way back up and had a great time learning in a new venue and supporting our fellow SDYC teammates in their success.
Thank you to the San Diego Yacht Club for your support.