Blanes, Spain
April 2, 2008

Today was the first day since we arrived in Blanes that we were able to go sailing without our dry suits. In two races today in light and fluky sea breeze conditions at the Yngling Class 2008 European Championship we finished 22nd and fifth to end the day in second overall and just three points out of first place.

Team 7 racing on Day One - - - Photo: François Richard

After a tough start at the pin end, as we were swallowed by other boats around us, it was obvious it would be a very long day. We went deep to the right side of the course only to be outflanked by the boats that went left. As the race progressed we kept trying to get back in the hunt and taking some small risks, only to find ourselves out of phase. We were pretty frustrated by the time we finished 22nd. We’re not used to seeing the scenery at that end of the fleet but we took some consolation from the fact that most boats are finding it difficult to maintain consistency here.

The breeze died along with our hopes of a decent finish and we had to wait 45 minutes or more before it filled in again, this time with a bit more authority. This time we started near the committee boat and sailed a smart race, piecing together small advantages to stay in touch with the boats in front and finish fifth.

Yesterday, Renee Groeneveld’s Dutch crew was third. Today with 4-1 finishes they moved up to first. We were able to discard our 22nd to place second overall, three points back, while Sarah Ayton’s British boat dropped a letter score to jump up to third place, three points behind us.

With two days of racing remaining, the forecasters are predicting more of the Qingdao-style light stuff tomorrow. The schedule calls for five more races followed by a double-points Medal Race before we crown the 2008 European champion.