This regatta was definitely one to remember, with VERY heavy winds and huge waves on day one to light winds on day two (This seems to be a trend in Texas…) but an awesome experience none the less. On the first day we rigged up our boats as normal and headed out with a positive mindset, although we noticed that the wind was picking up quite a bit. Luckily, we were able to get in a couple of races before there were more daggerboards to be seen than sails. The race committee had already sent in the ILCA 4s and 420s but still decided to start my group (ILCA 6). We sailed the first leg in survival mode but on the second leg a big puff of wind (45kn) capsized about everyone and that’s when many kids decided to go in even though race committee hadn’t called it yet. I was not one of those kids and decided to keep sailing and finish the race. Once I got to the 3rd leg I unfortunately capsized once again and drifted quite a bit away from the racecourse. Luckily there were many safety boats, and one was able to help me get my boat back up, I asked if race committee had called it yet, but they said, “No.” I once again decided I was going to cross the finish line and to my surprise I managed to keep my boat upright all the way to the finish line. But of course, that was my que and the combination of a puff of wind and a huge wave caused me to flip. I was completely out of energy as I had put it all on the racecourse, but there were many safety boats and my coach there to assist me and get me and my boat back on land. After derigging it was time to reflect, take a nice warm shower and get ready for the next day. Day two was much more successful and we managed to get enough races in for a regatta. Although I did not end up on the podium, I thought this was a great regatta and I learned a lot, good and bad 😉 Its safe to say that this weekend will be one I will never forget.
No coast ILCA regatta
