The "Reward is in the Journey", but in my case the reward these days is to follow someone elses journey. To be a small part in these athletes pursuit of perfection is hugely rewarding and almost comparable to the real thing.
Following are a couple of reports from Jen and JP in the Skud18 and from Danny Evans in the 2.4mR about their adventure last month at the Disabled Sailing Worlds in the UK. Sailing in Miami and St Pete with endless hours of practice, prepared them well for their main event.
Report from Jen and JP:
J2 Racing USA SKUD-18 USA Paralympic sailing team recently competed in two regattas in Weymouth, United Kingdom; which is also the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. With the support from Team Paradise, our team sailed SKUD 004 in both events. Most of the top teams were using the new designed SKUD-18 equipment. Our performance was better than expected and would not be possible without the gracious support of Team Paradise.
The first of the two events was Skandia Sail for Gold, a large event attracting over 1,000 sailors from around the world in both Olympic and Paralympic classes. For the SKUD-18, there was a fleet of 18 boats from 10 different countries. The regatta included 5 days of racing with two races per day from June 6-10, 2011. The racing kicked off with light breezes and shifty conditions. J2 Racing held off at the top half of the fleet but occasionally found ourselves on the wrong side of the shifts. Our team still finished in the top third of the fleet. As the regatta progressed, the breeze increased to typical conditions for Weymouth. In Team Paradise SKUD004, our team worked our way up the fleet to higher performances. Finishing the regatta in forth place.
The IFDS World Championship was the second regatta, July 1-8, 2011. This event focused on the three Paralympic Classes and attracted a SKUD-18 fleet of 21 boats; the largest fleet appearance for this class. Similar to Sail for Gold, the regatta kicked off with light breeze. On the first day of racing, our team was in second place until the breeze shut down on the final leg. The follow boats were able to catch the breeze more effectively and passed us. After two days of light breezes, the Weymouth wind finally kicked in and the heavy prevailing conditions ensued. J2 Racing kicked in the speed guns and worked out way through the fleet to slowing improve over the next three days of racing. For the final five races our team finished: 2, 2, 2, 1,1. What a way to end a regatta. J2 Racing brought home a silver medal for the US Disabled Sailing Team.
Team Paradise has been an integral supporter of our team. Without your support and the use of the Team Paradise SKUD-18, our team would not be able to compete and train at the level we are today. Thanks to Team Paradise, J2 Racing has our eye on the trials to win and represent the USA at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
Thank you, Team Paradise!
Report form Daniel Evans:
Weymouth England IFDS World Regatta was a great experience for me. I left Team Paradise on Tuesday after grabbing a few last minute items, gloves, start timer, and headed to MIA for my departure for London. Magnus gave a few final instructions on large fleet races. In Weymouth I learned an incredible amount about sailing with a fleet of almost 50 other 2.4mR boats. It is always a comfort seeing the other Team Paradise members and logos on the various other fleets. J2 Racing was there with the Team Paradise SKUD 18 as well as 3 U.S. Sonar teams. Ricky Doerr one of the top U.S.A. Sonar skippers proudly displays the Team Paradise Logo on the side of the boat he uses in Europe. The other team are very helpful and always ask how Magnus is doing. The racing was excellent with perfect weather conditions. One major change I did in Weymouth was take Magnus' advise and carry my drysuit which I wore for every race. I won't make that mistake again. The skills acquired during the Wednesday night races in Miami paid off and I had a best of 9th place, and was in the top ten at the first windward mark a few times. I will practice leeward mark rounding and continue downwind work to allow me to hold my upwind gains. I have registered for the 2.4mR Open Worlds in Norway for my next regatta in August. Thanks to all the Team Paradise members and Magnus for all the support and excellent training.