Over the last 2 days we had a little left over typhoon action. We got more breeze and more waves than the Olympics will have, but i can be honest it was nice to finally stretch out of the boat. The water and wind is very warm so often a spray top isnt even needed! We have just done some basic tuning and racing just to get back into the swing of things. We’ve got our Trials equipment back up and are much happier with our speed already. Â
Today was pretty gnarly. We delayed our launch and went for a late sail with our friends from Greece. We had a pretty big messy swell with gusts up to 18 or so. Downwinds were a real rush with some awesome rides in the big swells. Check out the photos below to get an idea.
In other news, we have been given quite strict orders about what we can and cant post during the Olympics and up to 8 days before, which would be tomorrow. So, a big sorry now that we cant post photos during the Olympics itself. Some sailors have announced radio silence but i can promise you we’ll still be running updates, just with less material.
Another thing, guess all the flying around finally paid off. I have officially just made premier status with United which i am totally psyched about. So the deal with premier is that i get free automatic upgrades to the next class as long as there is a seat available. So, im hoping i get the free upgrade to business on the way home.
Photo 1
Photo 2
First off apologies to everyone who has become an addict to our blog. I should have done at least 3 updates in the last week but things were out of control! Where to start!?
The time off at home was really great. Totally got to get away from sailing for a much needed break. I was even able to fit in my first surf session since February at one of my favorite spots which was phenomenal. The break at home ended with a stellar party put on by my parents and friends. We had the Ratones playing in our backyard along with 150 or so people, and a keg of Heineken. It was the best party i could imagine for a send off to the Olympics! On top of that it was great to see family, friends, and the girlfriend.
After the most memorable party to date, the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics headed up to San Jose State Univ for team processing! There we got all of our official Olympic team gear, and even had to dress up in our opening ceremonies outfit to be told how to wear it correctly by the Ralph Lauren Polo fashion designers. We also got fitted for exclusive Nike leather jackets and got to choose our Olympic Team ring. The standard edition didnt quite do it for me so i had to upgrade. Im sure some of you will see it soon! The most memorable part of this experience would have to be the shopping carts we all had at the end of it!
After our processing we had to hurry up to St. Francis Yacht Club for yet another party! We had one more final send off and it was really great. St. Francis and US Sailing Team sponsor Alphagraphics did an outstanding job organizing the event. Another very memorable event and evening, just to encourage us even further to bring back the gold!
The very next morning we were on a plane to Beijing! The trip went pretty well until we had our connection in Qingdao… We had a few to many bags and to many people to keep track of so we missed our earlier flight and had to wait 5 hours in Beijing… not fun. We finally arrived in Qingdao around 10pm local time, and headed straight for the brand new athletes village! We were all a little to tired to really get the impression, but, when i threw my curtains open and found i had a view of the entire boat park and the racing area, i couldnt help but smile. US Sailing was on top of things again and reserved the very top floor of the athletes village for the team. Most importantly, we can see the flag poles, so if we ever go under postponement we can hang out in our rooms instead of outside. Pretty nice. Most of our friends are already quite jealous.
today we managed to move our boat from Yin Hai Yacht Club to the official Olympic Venue. We swapped masts, and just kinda chilled. Nigel arrives this evening, and im not quite sure what our schedule is, but we’ll figure it out tomorrow morning.
11 DAYS!!!
After a month of training we are all super psyched to be heading home to our friends and families.
Our last few days here we spent sailing in a coaches run event with most of the top teams invited. To say the least we are a little unhappy with our speed, and had a rough couple of days. We had brief moments of speed, but nothing consistent enough play with the big boys. After some lengthy discussions about the conditions expected, and past events when we were really fast, we have narrowed it down to 1 mast, and 2 mainsails. As late as it is in the game, and as mush as we had planned not to be doing this, we are still happy and confident with where we will be when we return back to China in 12 days.
So, what does that leave us with? The exact same Goldspar we used at the trials (unfortunately its still being shipped from Holland), and either the same main we used at trials, or the main we used in the Holland regatta. Our first choice now is surprisingly the main we used at the trials, but we are still open to the one from Holland. When we return back to China we’ll have a few intense training session to really get it nailed.
The algae has disappeared for the most part. Largely due to the 300+ boats out there cleaning it up, and not to mention the huge blockade they have put up around the entire sailing area! At least its under control now.
Until then we’ll all be enjoying or short time away from 470 sailing. We will meet back up in San Jose, CA for the USA Team Processing! There we will get all of our team gear and then fly back over on our final trip!
Stu and I visited a vineyard on our scheduled day off. It was no Napa valley but it was fun never the less. Michelle our tour guide did a great job translating for us and negotiating a good deal with the taxi driver.
bottles of wine
Big Barrels
Stu and Michelle
So the Chinese group of USADA is currently in my room along with Stu, Ben (RSX), and Carrie and Sally (Yngling). My room has been turned into the testing location so we’re all pounding water, orange juice, whatever liquid we can get on our hands on.
Actually theres a little bit of a line, so im having to write this with my “sample” sitting right next to me. I guess i cant let it out of my site.
Good to know we got our drug test in and with more of the team being around its a bit more fun. but now i’ll be up a few more times in the night after all the water.
Yesterday it seemed all the media planned to meet in Qingdao. They all denied it, but i still think its true.
We were interviewed virtually all morning by The Associated Press, NPR, ABC, and of course title rights holder, NBC. You can find our short interview with ABC here: 154 Square Miles of Algae.
Our NBC interview can be found here.
Stoked to see some press before the games for once even if the algae is attracting it!
With all the hype and only 30 something days to go, and 20 training days left until the start of the biggest regatta of my life, im totally psyched about next years events.
ISAF has decided to turn all Olympic sailing classes into a world cup format. This is probably the best thing for sailing, as it will start to follow other successful sports world cups. The events list has been published and we have decided that this will be our racing schedule for next season with the addition of the Euro Champs and the Worlds.
So the 470 World Cup events are:
Sail Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia) WILL NOT ATTEND
Miami OCR (Miami, USA)
Palma (Palma de Mallorca, Spain)
Hyeres (Hyeres, France)
Delta Lloyd Regatta (Mendemblik, Holland)
Kiel Woche (Kiel, Germany)
Sail for Gold (Weymouth, England)
The points system will be released on July 21, and we hope we can attract some high profile sponsors with the new system! Until then its back to focusing on our job at hand. Medals. Â
