Thank you for assisting my crew Trevor Hecht and I, to be able to compete in the 2013 Youth Championships. It was a great experience, and I look forward to attending this following year. Without the aid of the Competition Fund, our trip would not have been possible, and we would have missed out on an amazing event.
The first day of the regatta was very nerve racking, but very exciting at the same time. The breeze started out light, then built steadily throughout the day. We placed decently the first two races, scoring a 12, 6 in the light air. When the breeze filled in more, we were able to capitalize on our superior heavy air speed, and ended the day with a 3,5. We sat in fourth place after the first day.
The second day started out very light and tricky. We were postponed for a little, waiting for the breeze to fill in. When the race committee felt there was enough breeze, we began racing. The first race of this day was very light and fluky. We managed to get into the top five after a lot of focus and speed. On the final leeward gate rounding, we decided to go to the right side of the course, due to an appearance of more breeze and the fact that it had been favored on the downwind. By the time we committed ourselves to the right, the breeze completely died and the left side of the course filled in. We went from 4th to 17th in a matter of minutes. Thankfully the breeze solidified for the rest of the day, but we still had a rough day. We finished the day with a 17, 8, 21. We were pretty disappointed, but happy that we sat in 6th.
The third day of the regatta we were postponed on land until the breeze filled in enough. When we were sent out, the conditions were very light and choppy. Unfortunately we struggled in these conditions, placing 26th and 29th. Thankfully in the next two races the breeze picked up, and we managed to get a 2,2 for the last two races of the day.
This was a very trying event, but a great experience nonetheless. Although we wish we could have placed better in the regatta, it was an amazing event and we learned so much. We finished the regatta in 7th. Our trip would not have been possible without the help of the San Diego Yacht Club Competition Fund. Thank you so much for your constant support of my sailing endeavors. It is always an honor to represent our fine club around the nation.
Sincerely,
Will La Dow