We have all been bracing for “proper” English weather for months, but Weymouth gifted us with a champagne day for sailing in front of the Nothe Fort. With temperatures in the mid 60s and partly cloudy skies, the 49er fleet put on a great show for the large crowd gathered on the grass next to the fort. It really is a pretty fantastic experience for spectators, complete with a big screen to keep you up to speed with the other courses, all the concessions you would need, and live commentary that is great as long as a certain Brit is not currently racing in the Finn class; at which point the production becomes a bit narrow-focused.

 

The Nothe Course, while great for spectators, does present some challenges for the racers as it is tucked in rather close to land. The breeze was steady enough for good racing, but there were plenty of scary wholes on the race course that could leave a team begging for more breeze, while a competitor just a few lengths away could be going much better. Both edges could reward the patience of those sailors that stayed committed, causing tight racing at the marks. If today was a sign of things to come, traffic management will be important as the regatta unfolds.

 

Erik and Trevor jumped the gun along with a group of other boats at the first start, but were fast to restart as they were lined up to win the pin. Good speed and staying in the pressure climbed them all the way back to 3rd by the first mark. The shifty conditions shuffled the fleet on the Nothe Course all day, and the boys came through in 6th at the end of their first Olympic race. The second race presented more dense traffic and they battled their way to a 10. When asked how they feel after their first Olympic day, Erik responded, “We're very happy with the day. We clearly left a few points on the board, but we are pleased with our standing and looking forward to lots more racing.”

 

The next three days of racing will have Erik and Trevor racing on the Portland Harbor Course, which should be slightly less shifty. The speed that they showed today should prove well on that course. Stay tuned!

 

Cheers,

 

John Storck III