We’re feeling a mix of emotions after finishing our third regatta in six weeks, the European Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. For those who have sailed in Aarhus before, it’s one of the trickiest places you may sail in, with variable shifts and pressure rolling from across the land and spreading in pretty random style makes for interesting racing.
Each day gave us those extremely volatile offshore conditions and put us in some positions we haven't yet experienced as a team. While looking back at it, we can see the missed opportunities that have certainly left us feeling frustrated, it’s only now we can analyse and shift our frameworks to be prepared for this type of environment next time, and we’re ready to come back better than ever.
The week was full of wind as we raced with no less than 8 knots every day. However, the difference between the gusts and lulls was immense, combined with 30 to 60 degree shifts on the course made for a tough regatta!
Our first day we had an interesting 10-28 knots from the west, shooting over the Aarhus International Sailing Center and greeting us on the racecourse with both long phases but also short and sharp random gusts. We completed three races and started an abandoned race where we sailed three legs before rounding the windward mark in 28 knots, a race we were having a lot of fun with at the front of the fleet.
Throughout the week we had similar conditions. Each race felt similar, yet different from the previous one. Though there were some patterns in the wind, there were also some random elements to the environment, and so we kept putting ourselves under pressure with similar boat handling and technique mistakes. The leading boats were the ones who were able to immediately seek the next opportunity in every moment that succeeded. The environment meant that everyone failed repeatedly throughout the race, but after a failure there was always another opportunity.
Our mentality as a team was pushed after six weeks of literally living in each other’s back pocket. Yes, our technique in the high volatility and low forgiveness conditions does need some work, but even more, this regatta showed us we need to be more dedicated to recalibrating the environment, while sitting in uncomfortable positions and making the most of what we have.
Although we don’t feel as though we laid down our best performance, the regatta was an important one for our development, and we’re glad that we’ve learnt these lessons now rather than later down the track!
After a two week break, Olivia in Lake Garda, Italy with her family and friends and Evie working on a Swan 90 in Sardinia, we’re looking forward to starting training in Marseille, the 2024 Olympic Venue. We will keep you updated on how the sun and sand treats us!
Key Takeaways:
Prioritising ‘what’s important’ at the time rather than trying to improve an unfixable problem.
‘Every boat length counts’ both in the context of placing but also strategically on the racecourse seeking the next pressure whilst being in different pressure to the boat next to you.
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