NZL EUROPEAN OPTI TEAM 2008

REPORT 4 - 05/07/2008

It's been a couple of hard days for the Kiwi sailors who have not adjusted to the very shifty conditions which we have had since the thunderstorm. It is still different to the days leading up to the regatta when the ora seemed to dial in on time and remain constant throughout the afternoon. The last two days have almost always seen one big shift on each beat and the kids with the exception of Jayvee on day 3 are not getting them. There was an Opti regatta of 160 boats the week before and the other sailors seem more in tune with what is going on. The second beat in particular is lighter and harder to pick.

Day 3 had two races in winds between 7 and 11 knots. Jayvee had a great day with a 2^nd and 9^th and was sailing fast and picked the big shifts. He finished the day in 14^th place and looked to be improving.

The others must have all thought they were in a losing game of Russian Roulette as they got each beat wrong with neither side being consistant. The last beat of the last flight of the day had a massive right-hander which brought in a lovely 15 knot breeze for the rest of the afternoon which Henry looked down on later that day after mountain biking up the cliffs to look down on the course. He wished he could have been sailing then!!

Day 4 the races started promptly at 1pm as per usual with the intent of doing 3 races. A better 11 to 14 knots but still shifty. Henry and Jayvee found out the realities of racing internationally when both OCS on first race. The race committee had stated there would be no general recalls during the regatta and true to their word although there were at least 15 boats over the two Kiwis who were both in the second row of those over were at the top of the list of the 5 boats that were scored as OCS!!

The wind died towards the end of the second race and the kids were sent ashore but did not get there before a nice breeze in the early 20's came rumbling down the lake. Henry and Alex would have loved to race in that!!

The kids are putting the results behind them and are determined to try to finish with some good results. The town square is a great meeting place for the kids after dinner with games of soccer, trading of shirts and getting to meet the other teams whilst the supporters sit around the outside in cafes drinking the wine. All is perfecto except for the results which the kids are obviously disappointed with.

Ciao