Summer Update
By Alex Mothersele
Sailing a double handed boat has proved challenging, and we’ve certainly learnt a lot - both about the boat and each other! The Feva Worlds were held at Gottskar in Sweden during August. The weather was variable, a mixture of torrential rain and 30 degrees heat, sun and light winds. We finished 6th overall, which was a slight disappointment for us; nonetheless, we still greatly enjoyed the week and felt that we made improvements with both our starts and boat handling.
We swiftly moved on into the 29er and competed in the 29er Nationals held at WPSNA at the end of August. Having received very little training in the 29er, we entered the competition with great excitement and just a touch of anxiety. This event proved to be quite amazing – as our first event in the boat we set our goal - to finish in the top 30. The first day was extremely windy, gusting approximately 30 knots, and our kite halyard snapped. However, we still managed to achieve two solid results and came off the water elated. During the next few days the wind dropped down and we started to feel “at one” with the boat. Overall we had a brilliant week and finished 29th out of 58 – 4th in the Silver fleet.
Such a result secured us a place in the RYA Transition Squad training, and we have just had our first training session held at Grafham Water. This time the winds were extremely light, enabling us practice in tricky conditions. We met lots of new faces and felt that we performed well on the water.
With a more long-term view, we are aiming to come in the top 10 at the Youth Nationals at Easter and will then be ready to compete internationally at the 29er Worlds, held in Garda during August 2009. With commitment, perseverance and supportive sponsorship, together with excellent training provided by the RYA, we feel that our long-term goal is both realistic and achievable.
24.07.08
I would like to update Musto on my progress in the Feva and the 29er, since becoming a member of the Musto Academy.
Sailing a two handed dinghy has been a challenge both physically and mentally. Fitness has been at the top of our agenda, as agility is key to 29er sailing. With this in mind, both myself and my crew, Hamish Ellis, have been working hard on our fitness; joining the local gym and “working out” at least once a week. I have also used some time to pursue my other hobbies: windsurfing, cycling and tennis, which all help to build up strength and endurance.
Mentally, Hamish and I are now beginning to work closely together and feel that we are working as “one” in the boat. We have taken time to develop and tune our skills, which have been helped by training and “time on the water”.
During the Feva National Championships, held in May at Hayling Island Sailing club, we achieved 2nd place after some competitive sailing. More recently, whilst sailing the Feva we have enjoyed success at a number of open events, achieving 1st place at Dabchicks SC; discarding a 1st after six races.
We are both excited about the forthcoming events, and are now preparing ourselves for the Feva Worlds held in Gottskar, Sweden. We plan to arrive in Gottskar three days prior to the practice race, which will enable us to sail at the venue before many of our competitors arrive. Although we acknowledge that competition will be strong, it is our aim to achieve a top three finish.
After Sweden our focus will be on the 29er circuit, as we are competing in the 29er Nationals to be held at WPNSA. This event is important to our long and short term goals, as we are hoping to secure a place in the 29er Transitional Squad and eventually a place in the Olympic Development Squad, in the 49er. With some training, a competitive attitude and a great deal of enthusiasm, I believe this is achievable.
Once again I would like to thank Musto for providing high performance sailing gear, which is a pleasure to wear, and I will further update Musto at the end of August.
Alex Mothersele
