Friday, 31 July 2015

July 2015 - World Championships in Italy


Topper Worlds – Riva Del Garda, Italy

a big trip = 1100 miles, 2 ½ days driving and a temperature rise to almost 40 degrees and we finally arrived at Riva Del Garda ahead of the Topper World Championships 2015.  Wow what a great location with amazing wind and wave conditions.






Our campsite was right on the lake, the South West Toppers activation each morning was a swim before breakfast followed by a quick walk or cycle to the club house in time for briefing and launch.  I spent the week as an extra member of the Youth Squad, we had venue familiarisation on the Sunday before the start of the Championships on the Monday.

The weather all week was really hot and windy - except for one day.  

This was a great event for me in that my confidence in stronger wind sailing has improved no end.  I completed all races in some challenging conditions, no breakages, no injuries and lots of smiling, it was a fantastic opportunity and saw me finish mid silver fleet.

My new Neil Pryde 1mm kit was the ideal choice for these conditions and helped me concentrate on my racing.  Thank you Virtual Rigger for your continued support.







Sunday, 19 July 2015

July 2015

National Series 6 –  Carsington

The second National Indicator Event for 2016 Squads and Jeanette’s “Launch For Life” Cancer Research fundraiser, there were men in pink  everywhere and lots of mums who usually don’t venture onto the water as the safety crew, my mum included … until she felt sea sick on a lake!

Saturday dawned bright and sunny with a forecast of 10 gusting 13.  Accommodation for the weekend was a camping cabin that was only 5 minutes from the sailing club so a short drive to the club was followed by rigging, registration and fundraising activities.  

Sunday was wet and breezy with a forecast of 15 gusting 20 with the rain clearing away during the day.  We sailed 6 races over the weekend and I finished in the top 120 so slightly lower than I would have wanted but my results are beginning to become more consistent instead of being spread out across the board so an improvement overall.

We also raised £1400 for Cancer Research.