Day zero

Posted byolePosted inMonaco 22

Today was “day zero”, that it, the day before the World Championship regatta begins. We had a practice race which was great practice, though held in light air, and then later in the day would be the Regatta Competitor’s Meeting and the Opening Ceremony.

The racing was hampered by a lack of wind which might be a theme for the week. The J/70 class rules specify that no race will be held unless there is five knots for five minutes, and we wonder whether and how often that will be met.

Another beautiful Monaco morning
the 100 boat fleet, ready for action
the Outlier team headed out
Lots of J/70s drifting around, waiting for wind
at the start – coming up! – and onward
headed downwind – chutes flying
yep, that is Monaco in the background … wow
headed in after a good day on the water

The practice race confirmed a few things; we needed practice 🙂 and man, a World Championship fleet is tough. As Món commented, “there are no bananas out there”. At least we weren’t one either; we did end up ahead of about 1/3 of the fleet.

here’s a view you don’t often get sailing
Monte Carlo dead ahead, Yacht Club in the foreground, the round building at the top of the hill is the Hotel de Paris

Biggest challenges for us: getting a decent start, playing the right (left) side, managing boat heel, and playing the puffs downwind (up in the luffs, down with pressure). We also need to be a bit better at anticipating crosses and gas, and working ahead on fleet tactics.

Nothing a good night’s sleep can’t cure … but first onward to the Opening Ceremony!