420 Nationals and Late of summers

420 British Nationals

smiles before launch on day 1. 

Wow what a fun week. Starting off the transition to the 420, me and Molly competed in the 420 British Nationals. We were very lucky with the wind because as we're new to the boat we really needed light winds so we can practice. Our luck came true. Yay! The forecast was looking lush, very hot and perfect breeze from 5 to 10 knts. Perfection definition of champagne sailing - when you're learning!

On the first day we had help from Haydn learning how to rig completely and learn all the controls which were very helpful. For me and Molly we went out each day with no expectations in results and just to learn as much as possible ready for future. We knew we weren't going to do the best as we were really new and everyone else racing were much more experienced. We did our best and got two 40th's. Very consistent! In the evening it was the clash of clans social. I dressed up as an archer and Molly was the archer queen. We headed to the sailing club, had a nice bbq and met new 420 sailors.

Day 2, once again not much wind. But as it was so hot we had high hopes for a slight sea breeze. We were so excited for today because the breeze was perfect for us (10-12knts). But oh no. A little too eager on the first start and unfortunately our first black flag in a 420! It wasn't a good feeling. So after waiting for an hour until the race had completed we were finally back on the start line and ready to get racing again. Race 2 - not again. Whoops. Another black flag, 2 in a row! Now it was really getting to us. We wanted to go racing so bad and we we're bored so much from waiting around but we didn't want that to stop us from enjoying our racing time.

sun and spinnaker

So on to race 3. Finally we were racing! Coming up to the windward mark was so scary because we were beating Haydn and Will. Me and Molly were so happy but I don't think Haydn was haha. In the two races we did do we got a 36th and 41st.

black tie outfits

Day 3, bank holiday Monday, brought another long hot day of racing again. Both of us were pretty nervous for today as we really didn't want any more black flags. We were more careful on the line, making sure not to line up too high and just to actually get a full day of races in so we can learn as much as possible, even if that means taking a couple places back on the line. Today we had a 37th, 44th, 38th and a 31st.

In the evening was the black tie dinner party. After both getting ready in our dresses we headed to the sailing club for the big posh dinner. It was so much fun meeting new sailors and making new friends.

On the last day there was lots of waiting around! No wind at all. In the meantime waiting for the wind we rigged and went and chilled on the beach with Megan and Maya (our two friends sailing). As it was 30 degrees we decided to go swimming the sea and go paddle boarding which was so much fun. After a while the breeze finally filled in to about 5-10knts but super shifty! Unfortunately after a long postponement flag there was no racing due to how shifty it was.

It was one of the best weeks sailing I've had. I've learn't heaps and had so much fun making new friends and sailing a different boat. 

Optimist ranking ( Late Summers)

What a small boat! From sailing the 420 for a week to an oppie was very strange, for once I actually felt tall. As there was no racing in last ranking event it meant this one was even more important. On Saturday the breeze was so nice 13-15knts. But so shifty! If you didn't get the shifts right then you were messed up for the race as they were so big and important. On the first day I got a 10th, 6th and a 9th. I was really happy for the first day, not only did I not get any black flags but also my results were really good especially as I'm aiming for national squad as it's my final year of oppies.

Sunday has less wind (10knts). Again it was super hard because of the shifts. It was so gusty as well. One minute you're sat in the boat because it's really light and then before you know it, it's like 15 knot gust. My first race was an 11th which was good. But then a 34th and 22nd which was really bad. I didn't have the best start then got caught out by the shifts so it was very frustrating. Overall I finished 15th and 4th girl, so a very solid event! 

me collecting my prize.

Unfortunately now it's back to school :(. I've had the best summer ever though doing so much sailing and trying the 420, it's all been really good and I've enjoyed every bit of it! #Musto #TheinsideEdge