Hi All,
Since our last report, Mat and I have competed in the Open European Championships in Helsinki, Finland.
We were the last class to finish in what was a combined Olympic classes regatta. Only the windsurfer boards did not attend this regatta.
It was our first time to Finland. It was crazy to see the endless days with only 4 hours of darkness per night. Trying to break into the timezone from home was a little tricky.
Before coming to Helsinki, we were scared that this northern city on the Baltic Sea would be freezing cold. But we were treated with warm and balmy conditions. Originally the 470 course was going to be approx 10 kilometers from shore, but as the lasers had already finished their championship, we were lucky enough to be moved to this track which was about a third of this distance out. It has been the closest race track all this season in Europe and it was a special treat to be able to see the host city for once. This area was also made more interesting with island dodging becoming a necessary skill.
Almost all of the best teams were at the regatta, so the fleet was at it’s usual high standard. We put together a great solid week of racing to win this regatta on points before the medal race. We got to stand on the 1952 Olympic games dias when we were presented with the Open European Champion trophy. This is the first time as a team that Mathew and I have won this crown. As Australians we are only eligible to win the open title, so the 2nd placed Croatian team took out the ‘European Champion’ trophy.
This makes us the current World, European, North American, Australian and World Cup Champions. That being said the next stop on the tour is Weymouth for the Pre Olympic Test Event in early August. Many teams consider this to be one of the main regattas for this year (along with the Worlds in Perth coming up in December). The gloves will be off with everyone wanting to make an impression for selectors.
Until next time,
Malcolm and Mat.