Hugo is discovering a new challenge: sailing at nationals let alone with the “big boys” ie in open fleet (including competitors from NZ, USA (sailor in the top 15 of last N.A champion), New Caledonia, Peru and few other championship!!). The most senior fleet after intermediate and green.
So far it has been a light wind championship in Brisbane. Sailors have completed 7 races in 3 days with wind ranging from 4 to 9 knots (max 11 knots at the end of some days). In addition to the light air, shifty conditions and tricky tidal current in Moreton bay.
Out of 137 competitors, Hugo is 124th. half way through. A couple of good starts but many in 2nd or 3rd row as the competition is tough on the starting line. He feels that his speed is ok but many advanced sailors seem to master their speed in changing conditions. Some instances where he has not managed to pick the right side of the course going upwind. It is especially hard when you need to pick your side at the gate at the bottom of the down wind leg knowing that it is not easy to cross to the other side with so many boats.
He has not managed to find the right combination with starts, speed and tactics. Hopefully he will manage some better races for the remainder when racing in the silver group.
His « peers » ie sailors of his level and new to the open fleet including training partner Daniel Laverty from Somers are on « the same boat » ie learning the hard way and all ranking between 100th and 137th...
Currently 2 Victoria sailors in the top 15 which is great!!!
Final Results - Open Fleet
Regatta Photos
Last Modified on 11/01/2018 18:31