Both on and off the water, the experience of the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship was amazing. The team-Australia, had a very positive feeling about it and each member attributed their personality to obtain a very happy and bubbly environment. I felt both encouraged and apart of the team throughout the whole experience.
We arrived as a team with 2 days to recover and for 3 days some of the team chartered boats at a nearby club where the 4.7 Youth Worlds are to be held shortly. This was a great chance to check out the race area and help loosen any nerves or doubt. It was around our 4th day of being in Brazil that teams slowly began to arrive, which made it more and more exciting. Registration and boat allocation was on the 8th of July which made it feel even more real, we actually had the boats and were finally able to set things up and get comfortable. We also had our first opportunity to sail from the club hosting the Youth Worlds, however unlike other regattas that I have been to, boats were only allowed to leave the shore when the ‘D flag’ with their class flag was hoisted and boats had to be in before 4:30pm. This was another element that made the event very structured and a little different to normal. ISAF tries to make the whole experience a level playing field by also keeping all coaches on one boat on each race course, this meant access was limited. Although this was no problem for Curtis Skinner-the Australian Laser Radial Representative and myself because unlike other years both the boys and girls single handed class was in the Laser Radial, meaning we could easily tune up and help each other with information before and between each race. This was easy for us because we not only come from the same country or even state, but also the same club, so have worked a lot with each other.
Well and truly before the start of racing the whole team had built up a routine which worked for everyone. We woke and had breakfast at the same time, I rigged next to Curtis each day and we would have a team briefing after Kristen Kosmala had been to the team leaders briefing- so she was able to pass on any information; including the approximate time the race committee were going to hoist the ‘D flags’ for each class. To avoid any rush Curtis and I were ready to leave as soon as we were permitted by the flag. Like usual we had time to tune up and look at the wind and conditions on the course before the warning signal sounded. We kept within a very similar routine each day which helped to feel comfortable in the foreign surroundings and also leave nothing to be forgotten.
The racing was a lot of fun, and is now an addition to my race experience. The more and more I race, the more I become equipped with tools for next time, to use for similar situations.
I went to Brazil for the ISAF Youth Worlds with no particular expectation on results. I raced everyday as each race took place, and looked at the conditions as they were presented. I knew that with my skills and preparation that the main achievement I wanted was to enjoy the competition and the racing. With my focus being drawn to the process, my mind didn’t need to worry about the results. This helped when I did well in a race and also when I made a few mistakes and had a tough race, I was able to bounce back the next race with a positive attitude because I was looking for enjoyment more than the result at the end of the regatta. Every race I just pushed to do my best with what conditions and energy I had at the time, realising that any place gained during each race could help when points were finalised at the end. This way, looking back at the regatta I don’t have regrets with any situation, having taken every opportunity to do my best.
I am stoked with 6th place and after watching the closing ceremony, where the medals were presented it has really given me inspiration for a podium finish hopefully next time around. It was lovely to see my teammates-Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin receive the Gold Medal and to see their joy of winning. Without a doubt they deserved this glory.
It was so lovely to share this experience with a great bunch of people, including my teammates and coaches Kristen Kosmala, Adrian Finglas and David Mann. They were organised and a lot of fun. I also met a lot of lovely people from around the world, who I am sure I will meet again in the future. All the Youth Sailors had a chance to listen to Torben Grael, who had just came back from winning the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race and who is a multi-time Olympic Medallist. After dinner one day, there was a question and answer time which was a great insight into his life. He is such a versatile sailor, who has sailed and achieved in many different classes and aspects of sailing. This in itself was an amazing experience.
So now tomorrow (23rd July) I leave for Japan, for the 2009 Radial Women’s Worlds and 2009 Radial Youth Worlds. I am very excited for these events and believe these 2 months have been a valuable learning time and a great opportunity for experience and fun.
Thank you so much for your support and I extend my appreciation to the wider sailing community.
See you all when I return,
Ashley Stoddart