The 2018 Junior Sabot Nationals at Long Beach Yacht Club wrapped up a great season for SDYC. The week was very tricky with some extreme currents and fog during the start of the second and third days causing some crazy wind shifts. First, second, and fifth in gold fleet, Team SDYC put in a ton of effort this year leading up to the event. Practice every day during the summer and a clinic with other clubs from our area ensured we were prepared.
Some of the top sailors practiced together on Tuesdays and Thursdays doing speed testing and races. Julian Busch, one of the coaches from SDYC, volunteered to help us out by running starts and taking video at some of our practices. I noticed this helped with speed because we were able to compare ourselves against other people that have been doing well in the fleet. This brought the team to another level this year.
We also dedicated some days this summer to boat work and tuning. We came to the conclusion that moving the leeboard forward was faster in light to medium breeze because the center of effort in the sail was moved back. I could definitely feel this at the nationals and I know it was a big factor in my performance.
Overall it’s been a great year for Team SDYC and I’m looking forward to sailing during the school year.