A successful trip to Wales - 8th in the UK and 10th in the World for 2014 !
Roll on Lake Garda 2015 .....
A reasonable 8 hour run saw us reaching Somerset at 7pm to be greeted by one excited dog
Day 16 - Topper Worlds Day 3
3 races on our last day. Building on yesterday's results saw me posting 4, 12 and 8. Pretty pleased given my injury and securing 10th place overall to add to 8th last week. We then had prize giving, the charity auction before a group of us headed off to subway for tea, fun in the arcade and a party on the beach.
Day 15 - Topper Worlds Day 2
I had a lot to make up having missed yesterday's racing. We sailed 4 races today and I posted mixed results (14,10,6,8). Hiking with one leg is less than ideal but at least I was beginning to climb back up the results board.
We went out 4 races first race not great but others were ok, nothing in the evening
Day 14 - Topper Worlds Racing at last - Day 1
We launched but unfortunately my knee gave way again and I had to come back in and miss today's three races. Just hoping lots of rest today plus strapping my knee means I can go out tomorrow.
Day 13 - Topper Worlds Racing Abandoned
Similar conditions to yesterday saw racing being abandoned again. The day then became a mix of chilling on site, walking into town for lunch at subway, playing football and taking part in the Oakley challenge. In the evening we all went to the water park at Hagan y Mor.
Day 12 - Topper Worlds Racing Abandoned
23 knots and 6 foot of swell meant the day started with a 3 hour postponement. Conditions did not improve and therefore racing was abandoned for the day. We headed into town for a few hours before going out to tea. Just hoping we get out tomorrow.
Day 11- Rest Day 3 Chill and Opening Ceremony
At last a lie in this morning. We spent the day chilling, dodging rain storms and hanging out with friends. In the evening we had the Worlds Opening Ceremony including the flag parade of all the participating countries followed by a buffet supper.
Day 10 - Rest Day 2 Zip World
Early start today to head across to Zip World Titan. Great fun with friends and family before heading back to Pwllheli for Worlds Registration. After registration we lashed everything down in preparation for the incoming storm. We chilled around the sailing club for a while before heading to Nevfyn for a sailors BBQ.
Day 9 - Rest Day 1 Shattered
So today was down time to rest and recover ... something that escaped the notice of Caroline Randeria who organised a walk up Snowdon whilst carrying a Topper to raise money for the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Well done to those who completed this challenge raising over £400 during the walk itself plus more donations online. I spent a social day with Carol Dugdale and Josh at the base of Snowdon including a trip on the lakeside train and discussing Carols departure to Canada tomorrow for her 2.4 sailing event ... good luck Carol.
Day 8 - Fourth day of Racing
Slightly worried on launch as the winds were very light but they filled in giving a good last day of racing and I posted top ten results for both days leaving me 8th overall which giving the mixed conditions and blisters was a result I was pleased with.
Day 7 - Third day of Racing
At last great wind today for me reflected with top five results in every race and jumping ten places on the leaders board. Blisters across the back of my legs making this a somewhat painful but just very pleased to be posting good results and I have 2 ducks to collect in briefing tomorrow.
Day 6 - Second day of racing
Postponement in the morning whilst there were great winds and waves to be conquered. By the time we launched everything was rather light and sedate. I was winning the first race which was then abandoned .... not happy, I was the only one who actually followed the course! The next 2 races were as bad as yesterday's results this is just not my week.
The club held a competitors BBQ in the evening, the food was very good, shame about the rain. Really looking forward to catching up with Carol Dugdale and Josh who arrived this evening.
Day 5 - First day of Racing
Light winds and no waves so not a good start to the Championships for me.
Evening BBQ was rather late as we had to wait for the Fundraising Auction to finish. No bargains for us but a purple muggi for a 2.4 sailor whose boat has a purple colour theme. Hopefully this will make Carol smile when she arrives tomorrow.
Day 4 - Racing Abandoned
An early start following a rather rough night. Torrential rain and high winds caused havoc on site at the sailing club including having to put awnings down at 2am! Sailors under canvas on local campsites faired less well with several tents being submerged. The 4.2 squadies rigged their boats together then headed off to the main briefing. Then followed our squad briefing with sailors sprinting for a bench to sit on. A 2 hour postponement followed by racing being abandoned for the day due to winds and big waves. Mark layers were loosing marks between the waves never mind the odd boat. The 4.2 squadies headed back to the boat park to derig together then most returned to their accommodation. We had a BBQ mid evening by which time the winds had died down ... just as well as 8 in our camper would have been interesting.
Day 3 - Registration and Welcome Briefing
Last lie in for a while. This morning was spent sorting our boats and catching up with our Zone Squad coaches and friends. We registered as soon as registration was open and managed to get through measuring before meeting up with the our South West coach for some time on the water ... well once Lynn worked out how to start the rib that is! The conditions were light and shifty so not much fun but we did get to see some dolphins. In the evening we had the welcome briefing followed by tea.
Day 2 - Setting up
Rain and not bring in a rush meant we had a late start to the day. We got up at 9am :-) A chilled day for the sailors whilst the grown ups sorted ribs, the race office and the clothing orders. Sailors cycled into town to take a look around and we set up our paddling pool (picture to follow) In the evening we went out to tea to the Chinese. Whilst the day started off wet it turned out nice and sunny by mid afternoon.
Day 1 - Road trip to North Wales
We left the house at 11am and arrived at Pwllheli Sailing Club just before 7pm with 2 stops enroute. When we arrived I helped Andy and Adam Millington put sail numbers on the sails for the Indian sailors who arrive this weekend. Then we waited for the Luxford's to pull up after their mammoth 12 hour journey with so many motorway closures and delays.
