Development team 2019 - 43rd Spinnaker International regatta, Tallinn

After one very long late night of travelling we finally arrived in Estonia. The next day we were all extremely tired from travelling but we didn't let that stop our training time. The condition's were very odd. The breeze was lush, 10-15knts and big waves. One minute it was very sunny and hot then came heaps of rain and dark clouds, but we carried on training and learning new things about the venue and boat handling. 

The development team 

We were staying in a huge hotel with many spars, swimming pools, salt chambers etc but the dinner option was very odd for us kids as it was stewed rabbit! Not my 'cuppa tea' personally. We had one more day of training and it was so hot! We woke up early so we could go to Tallinn city centre in the afternoon. The training was very good as we all learn't new things about the boat set up, fast positions and had some quick races with the Austrians. In the afternoon we went up a tall tower in Tallinn too see all the great views of the city, the sea and the old parts of the town. After that we went and had a look around the market trying new foods like dried horse which was very interesting. For dinner we went to an Italian restaurant and we had delicious pizza's. 

Now the stress began! It was the first day of the event. The conditions were great.  It was about 10-12knts and sunny, perfect! The whole team did so well, we all got top 20's in every race and I got a 10th and 11th. We were all so proud of ourselves and celebrated in the evening by going out to a fancy restaurant.

Day 2 was very slow. Not much wind at all ( 3-5knts). We were only able to do one race which I didn't do good in as I got a 37th because my start was pretty shocking. They did start a second race and I was very annoyed as me and Maya ( also in team GBR) were doing so well. We were both crossing the whole fleet which was such a good feeling but unfortunately due to the wind completely dying the race committee had to abandon the race and go in. After sailing we all went to the beach as it was so hot, played volleyball and went into the sea to cool off. There was lots of competitiveness. After volleyball we went into the best restaurant ever, it was over looking the sea and right on the beach. I had an amazing bowl of pasta. We got back straight away, well after mucking around in the supermarket with the coaches for ages ha ha, because we knew the next day was extremely windy.

Me and Jamie packing up the boats.

The breeze had arrived! It was so windy. After filling our faces with breakfast we headed down to the sailing club. Sails were flapping all over the place and everyone was getting very nervous. When I sailed out of the marina I started getting really nervous. The waves were huge and the wind was howling. All day it was around 26-33knts! I was so proud of myself. I had the best day ever. Not only did I go so well but sailing in that much wind may seem scary at first but at the end it's so fun. The results I got were 11th 12th and a 15th. I was so chuffed! After every race I was so worn out from hiking so much. After such a long day we headed in because the breeze picked up too much. Sailing in was the best thing ever. Surfing on the waves down and going as fast as ever was so scary but I could not stop smiling as I was so proud of myself for doing so well in that much wind and being consistent with the results. It was probably the windiest and waviest day sailing I've ever had and the best day sailing! For dinner we went out the the same Italian restaurant in the town square and after had another walk around the town and looked in some spooky gift shops, then went back to the hotel and packed.

It was sadly the last day. This has been such a good week and will be one to remember. Again it was a fairly breezy day with the wind at 15-22knts, so plenty of hiking again. We did 2 tough races. So far I was coming 2nd girl and really wanted to become first girl, so that mean't I had to try and beat the girl in first. Unfortunately in the first race I came 25th. My start wasn't the best as I lost my lane. In the second race the breeze picked up a little bit so that made it harder. All I was aiming for was a good start too end the week on a high. Yay! My start was so good, it was my best all week by far. I had such a good lane and was in clear air. I finished 10th in that race, although I didn't beat the girl in first I was still really happy with the week and my results.  

As we charted boats we had to take the whole boat apart which took a fair while but in the end we were able to get changed and head to prize giving, then said our goodbyes to our new friends we made and caught the plane home. All the coaches and sailors were really tired.

Some of the team in the weird gift shops.

Overall I finished 16th out of 208 and was third girl. I was over the moon with my results especially as it was an international event. I learn't so much and had heaps and heaps of fun, very sad the trip was over. There was lots of resting for the rest of the week then the West Kirby sailing club regatta at the weekend which i came third in. Next up on the 27th July- 2nd August is the British Optimist Nationals in Weymouth which will be lots of fun!

#Sailing #TheInsideEdge #Musto