Well Japan took a little more time to warm to in comparison to the ISAF Youth World’s in Brazil, I guess the weather was a lot warmer however there were a few more differences in terms of the culture. In Karatsu less people spoke English, and even less could read and interpret a map. Although once we got used to these differences Karatsu became a very comfortable place to be, we got into a rhythm of riding our bikes to the club and the hospitality of the local people was amazing.
We arrived on the 24th of July in Karatsu, after being home for 2 days to quickly catch my breath and get things together after returning from Brazil. It was good we had some time to get sorted and comfortable before the Womens Radial Worlds started. I got my boat on the 25th, set it up and then went sailing with the other Australian Laser girls-Gabrielle King and Sarah Paterson, as well as our coach Sarah Blanck. They had already been in Karatsu for a week or so before my arrival and were able to fill me in on details about the sailing area and other off water things-like places to eat etc. Knowing that is was going to be a big 2 ½ weeks following the ISAF Youth Worlds, Sarah made it a priority to try and conserve as much energy as possible-to give me my best opportunity, especially for the Youth Worlds.
The 2 weeks and 2 regattas in Karatsu were sailed in unusual conditions for the time of year. It was most people’s expectations that we were to have a very light regatta. Apart from maybe 4 races out of 24 and the training days, the winds were at least 10-12 knots. The wave conditions were perfect, especially when the wind was stronger this was when the last reach before the finish was rather good fun! I can say Karatsu-based on the breeze and waves that I experienced, is one of the best places I have sailed.
After being in Japan for a few weeks I can now throw a few more phrases together, although nothing too impressive. The only problem I see now is that by the time you catch up on the culture and the traditions of the place you are staying, it is sadly time to go!
The last 3 regattas have been a great learning period for me, with numerous areas- like fleet and regatta management and tactics. After many races, each day, one after another, the situations begin to cement in your mind and can be easily recalled when they reoccur.
While being a very intense schedule with a lot to take in, my time abroad was also a wonderful opportunity to meet a great bunch of people and reunite with a few people I had met before.
The closing ceremony was pretty special. I was awarded 2nd Youth Girl and also Under 17 World Champion (backing this up from my previous year’s win). With receiving both places, I got to stand on the podium twice. When standing as number one, it was a lovely feeling as the Australian Flag was raised while the anthem was played.
The regattas have taught me that every position gained in each individual race will make a huge contribution to the overall standings. The Women’s Worlds was a great regatta for my overall development as well as a preparatory tool for the Youth Worlds which followed. The Qualifying and Final Series were very different-with different intensities. During the Qualifying it was nearly about surviving and gaining any inch possible. Whereas the finals- with still a very competitive bunch of sailors in the Silver Fleet, was more about managing the leading pack and position, which became very relevant for racing in the Youth Worlds. In the Youth Worlds I don’t think I could have asked for a better regatta. I was solely focused on the sailing and doing it well from the start to the finish, the rest fell into place and resulted in a consistent 12 races.
In finishing I would like to send a big thank you for all the people who have made it possible-financially, technically and with organising, it has been a great few weeks!
Ashley Stoddart
Member of the Australian Sailing Development Squad
Laser Radial