I must apologise for the late update, as many of you would be aware we finished racing a few days ago. We have now left the Spanish island, Palma de Mallorca and have relocated in Marseille, France. We do get around. We are having a few days rest before preparing for our next competition, The International Spring Cup, a small French regatta which will start in one weeks time.
We are pleased to report that Mal and I finished our first European regatta off with a 4th position. Although we were in a medal position coming into the medal race we were happy with our overall performances throughout the regatta. Some of you would probably be aware that Mal and Fiona were on their honeymoon during this event, with Fiona giving us her support one day on the water waiting 7 hours for only one race sailed (and yes they are still married). Our limited time and preparation before the event, showed towards the end with us slipping back of the podium.
The racing was held mainly in light variable winds, the two fleet sizes of 50 boats meant close and challenging racing. I can certainly say that the importance of good preparation, timed rest periods and knowledge of the venue can never be over-stated. In saying this, we can see steady improvements with our techniques, racing and strategical abilities and had valuable opportunities to test our equipment. Our fourth place in Palma, maintains our position on top of the world cup standings (http://www.sailing.org/worldcup/standings/470-men.php). Although we have strong competition coming from the bronze medal winners from Miami (Israel team) who finished 2nd in this world cup and the winners from Miami coming in at 7th position (Sweden). With such a strong fleet participation in the 470 event this year (over 100 boats, all Olympic Medal winners as well as everyone in the top 20 in the world) it will be a tough season for us and we certainly are looking forward to the challenge.
I will resume training without Mal , who is finishing off his honeymoon in NYC, before heading off to the Farr40 worlds. Thus I will be training and competing in the spring cup with Will Ryan (our training partner).
More to follow.
Take care from sunny and extremely windy Marseille.
Final press release from Yachting Australia, Craig Heydon. http://www.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=46965
Mathew Belcher & Malcolm Page
470 Men – AUS 11
Australian Sailing Team