Issue date
Over the years building up to the 2012 Olympics I spent many months training and competing in Weymouth. It is fair to say not much has changed since then, it was all very familiar! The moments of de-ja-vu occurred in almost any and everything. From shopping for the ‘2 for $5’ deals at the local Asda supermarket, to grinding it out in the typical breezy conditions out in the bay. From sitting through the extremely long (30minute!) advertisements at the local cinema, to re-living the brutal tows to and from the race course each day. The pro’s and con’s of life in Weymouth still remain!
Training in the classic SW breeze out in Weymouth Bay, pre-event.
I experienced the full range of conditions in the week building up to racing. It was great to be back out on the bay in wind and waves that I had sailed in many times before, albeit a few years back. We definitely had our fair share of hiking conditions in that week leading into the event, so recovering and getting the legs back into prime working order was definitely at the top of my list in those final few days before racing.
Unfortunately day three was a complete glass off on our course and no racing was possible. This meant that day four was now to be ‘BIG Saturday’ with three races scheduled in a forecast of 15-25 knots. It was all on with three very physical races completed. It was all made that much harder when I couldn’t get around the first top mark in the front half of the fleet due poor decisions on the first upwinds. Forced to play catch up in all three races was tough, and it is fair to say I was pretty happy to shut my eyes that night after consuming an epic amount of calories! My poor performance in those three races hurt me big time and slipped down to 9th overall going into the final 10 boat medal race on Sunday. I was disappointed not to get the job done on that windy day, with great speed it really was bad decisions and execution in the beginning of the race that let me down.
Day 2 racing in glamour conditions. Photo Credit: Sailing Energy
After a great nights sleep though and time to re-set, I was eager to get out there on Sunday and make some sort of amends for my previous day, at least finish on a high note! It was a complete contrast to the day before and I executed the first half of the race well, rounding the first mark in a tight second place. After some close battles throughout the rest of the race, I managed to hold on to finish second and move up to 7th overall for the regatta. You can re-watch the medal race’s here, and the Laser race begins 2 hours and 57 minutes into the video.
Tight battles along the final reach to finish in the Medal Race. Photo Credit: Sailing Energy
Although it is not the result I am after, some of my weaknesses from Hyeres were definitely strengths at this event and that is very motivating. I am really happy with the gains I have made in lots of areas and feel like the year is progressing well for some good results in the upcoming months.
After what was a very physically and mentally draining week in Weymouth, I have now had some time to relax in Canada ahead of the Laser World Championships beginning on the 2nd of July. Chilling out in a town near Toronto at a mates place has been just what I needed to refresh and get ready to give it my all in Kingston over the next couple weeks building up to, and then racing the World Championships. A huge thanks to the Parkhill family for making me feel right at home for the week, even when being 14,000 km away from my real home!
Cruising the Canadian Lakes with my new 'best-friend'... Just chill.
I'm looking forward to collecting my charter boat for the Worlds here in Kingston on Monday, and getting stuck into my build-up to the main event. Check in with my preparations and how the event unfolds throughout the next two weeks on my Facebook page as well as on Instagram @AndyMaloneySailing.
Thanks to everyone for the continued support!
Cheers,
Andy
