Thank you so much for making it possible for my crew Colleen Hackett (MBYC) and me to represent SDYC at the Orange Bowl event in Miami, Florida. It was a great learning experience and I would not trade it for the world. Without your assistance, my trip would not have been possible. We raced in the doublehanded C420 fleet which included 77 boats on the same starting line!
The first day of the regatta it was 14-16 kts,mildly shifty, and very choppy. Even though it was a little choppy, the water and air were warm so it was a pleasant day. We sailed fairly well but due to bad luck got an OCS in one race, and in another our trapeze line broke forcing us to hike all the way upwind on starboard, costing us 10 boats. We finished the day with a 6, 13,12, OCS.
The next day we tried to stay positive and keep pushing. The winds were 15 kts. in the morning, then to our dismay they died and it became very light the rest of the day. We did not think that the conditions were fit for running such a prestigious event, but nevertheless they went on with the races. We scored a 68,2,8,42 and ended up very deep. The winds were very shifty and unpredictable, hindering our chances to perform to our potential. We were quite upset because we felt that if the conditions were better we would have finished in a more respectable position.
The last day was just as frustrating as the preceding, and we scored a 14,57 ending the regatta in 20th place. This was very frustrating considering that we finished 4th the year before. We can do nothing but shake it off and be greatful that we are able to take part in such a great sport. Although we were hoping for a better outcome, we still had an excellent time sailing at a new venue and representing SDYC in the sport that we love, sailing.
Sincerely,
Will La Dow