This years version of the Kitten cup was a very high caliber event with strong fleets in the Laser,Radial,Double Handed and Opti classes.
Being the first Canada Games qualifying event, many of the sailors well keen to put on a good showing.
In the Laser class a number of the veteran sailors grabbed some laser gear and got out on the water.
Dan Slater from New Zealand (Dan sailed in the Olympics in the Finn in China), Tommy Warton, (Laser National team coach), Jason Rhodes, (Royal Van Member and Olympic Coach in China).
At any rate the young guns were going to have their hands full all weekend.
In the end Dan was first with Ricardo Montemayer second and Luke Ramsay third.
It went right down to the last race and was fantastic to see three generations of laser sailors fight it out.
In the Radial Isabella Bertold dominated the fleet with mostly first place finishes.
There was a large group of new Race Team members out, (13 in total).
Eric Sevais had an excellent result ending 4th overall. Natalia Montemeyer was 2nd girl and 5th overall.
8 of the top 10 were from Royal Van!
On the Double handed course the 29ers were fighting for the Canada birth.
Mark Patacky,(our Doublehanded Coach)and Jonn Scott ended 2nd and lead the trials so far.
In the Opti class Royal Van dominated with Laura Konitzer winning and Cameron Ho 2nd (6 of the top 10 from RV).
Results are @ http://www.royalvan.com/racing_results.asp?TID=3&RID=127&SID=240&DID=2
A excellent weekend of racing, with excellent race management.
Thanks to all the volunteers and Rob Scott for heading up the event.
Thanks Liliah Martin for doing the sailors swap!
On to Victoria for the team this coming weekend for the 2nd Canada Games Trials.
AL
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Final Report from SF Opti Regatta
After two fantastic days with 14-20 knots of breeze, ebbing currents and fantastic training and racing, San Francisco gave us on the last day a heat wave. Having spent a great amount of time training and sailing in San Francisco over the past years, this was the first time it was glass.
The sailors got rigged and we had a postponement on shore for a while before we were sent out. Hoping for wind, we headed to the same racing area outside Angle Island, but we had to anchor not to drift away. After pizza for lunch on paper plates again and more food for Cameron (he can eat!) and Alex, we were asked to tow over to Sausalito waterfront where there was a little bit of wind (a small patch).
The race course was set up as a windward leeward and the current was so strong against the wind that the sailors were 100 feet below the starting line until 15 seconds when they could head up. After a general recall, the start went and the sailors flew upwind, way past layline and then we had the downwind. The front of the fleet went towards shore hoping for less current while our team of Cameron who rounded in 15th, Alex who was 25th, Graham in 30th and Ellie about 35th all went downwind on the rhumb line where there was more wind.
All our sailors gained big with Cameron rounding in 5th place and the others gaining boats. It was one of the slowest and hottest down-winds our sailors have every done. The last upwind was quick with some of our sailors being washed upwind so fast, they were reaching to the finish line after overshooting the layline.
Unfortunately the race committee decided to start a race at 3.25 and without any wind and too much current, we realized that with the long commute to the airport and traffic, Golden Gate Bridge and flights at 7.30, there was no way we could make the last race. It was the right decision as were left before the rest of the boats had struggled to get around and towed in.
It was an amazing weekend, worth all the travel, the training and what a great way to start the season. We met some terrific people, got some new friends we will be staying with when we return to San Francisco for one week in June and we must thank San Francisco YC for hosting us, lending us a coach boat for the whole time without cost and for great race management. From our experience, this is worth doing again next year.
Tine
The sailors got rigged and we had a postponement on shore for a while before we were sent out. Hoping for wind, we headed to the same racing area outside Angle Island, but we had to anchor not to drift away. After pizza for lunch on paper plates again and more food for Cameron (he can eat!) and Alex, we were asked to tow over to Sausalito waterfront where there was a little bit of wind (a small patch).
The race course was set up as a windward leeward and the current was so strong against the wind that the sailors were 100 feet below the starting line until 15 seconds when they could head up. After a general recall, the start went and the sailors flew upwind, way past layline and then we had the downwind. The front of the fleet went towards shore hoping for less current while our team of Cameron who rounded in 15th, Alex who was 25th, Graham in 30th and Ellie about 35th all went downwind on the rhumb line where there was more wind.
All our sailors gained big with Cameron rounding in 5th place and the others gaining boats. It was one of the slowest and hottest down-winds our sailors have every done. The last upwind was quick with some of our sailors being washed upwind so fast, they were reaching to the finish line after overshooting the layline.
Unfortunately the race committee decided to start a race at 3.25 and without any wind and too much current, we realized that with the long commute to the airport and traffic, Golden Gate Bridge and flights at 7.30, there was no way we could make the last race. It was the right decision as were left before the rest of the boats had struggled to get around and towed in.
It was an amazing weekend, worth all the travel, the training and what a great way to start the season. We met some terrific people, got some new friends we will be staying with when we return to San Francisco for one week in June and we must thank San Francisco YC for hosting us, lending us a coach boat for the whole time without cost and for great race management. From our experience, this is worth doing again next year.
Tine
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Optimist team training and racing in San Francisco
4 Optimist sailors from Royal Van flew down to San Francisco Thursday April 16th to train for one day and race for 2 in the first of a series of events in San Francisco. On Friday we trained in 15-18 kots of breeze and it was fantastic. Cameron Ho, Alex Fritz, Graham Harney and new member Ellie Shaw were all loving the surfing, the hiking and the current. They spent 4 hours working hard and even went for a couple of swims in the bay. Racing starts today and unfortunately, the racing portion of the event takes place in Richardsons Bay which has no current but also no wind. We are expecting 70 racers so we will really get great starting practices. IF the wind really does not cooperate, the racing will be moved into the bay (we would love that) but the organizers are concerned about the depth for mark setting.
On our way in yesterday we sailed by a dead whale which is anchored to a mark. It was a great science experimence to see it float and how big it was. The marine biologists are doing research on it to find out how it died.
The first day of the Optimist San Francisco YC regatta took place outside Angle Island. There was a lot of fog at the Golden Gate Bridge which made sailing conditions in Richardson's Bay impossible. The RVYC sailors were very pelased about that decision as we trained there yesterday and were used to the steep waves and wind conditions. The first 2 races had a heavy ebb while we had a great flood for the last two races which made rounding the windward mark a challenge.
50 Optimists were in the championship fleet with a whole pile in the green fleet. This was all our sailor's first regatta since October and we were all excited to finally be racing. The first race was very light and Alex Fritz was in the top 10 to the first mark but lost a huge amount on the second upwind by not going to the left close to Angel Island., Cameron Ho sailed a good second beat and was 14th with Graham Harney, Alex Fritz and Ellie Shaw following close behind in the 20s and 30s.
Race 2 started and the wind was coming and going. We had everything from 20 to 2 knots within 20 feet but all our sailors handeled it well. CAmeron was 3rd but was OCS after an excellent start, something he had a goal for the weekend. Race 3 was 15-18 steady wind where Cameron did finish 3rd and the final and last race of the day, all the boys really picked it up in the heavy current and wind and Cameron was 1st by 1 min, Graham was 7th and Alex 11th. Ellie had a great reaching leg and it was really fun to see her enjoy the speedy rides and roler coaster rides downwind. After we all finished, the RVYC sailors stated out and did another long windward just to really get exhausted. Alex was working on hiking, he got hiking finally on the last race while Graham improved his hiking technique too. Cameron was very fast today working hard throughout the day with absolutely fantastic starts.
The sailros were served pizza on paper plates on the water in 16-18 knots winds, interesting menu. We were very lucky we had made our own lunches and Tine was creating sandwiches on the coach boat. Despite the sun, the sailing conditions, wind and fog makes it cold on the water. We are really looking forward to racing tomorrow.
Tine
On our way in yesterday we sailed by a dead whale which is anchored to a mark. It was a great science experimence to see it float and how big it was. The marine biologists are doing research on it to find out how it died.
The first day of the Optimist San Francisco YC regatta took place outside Angle Island. There was a lot of fog at the Golden Gate Bridge which made sailing conditions in Richardson's Bay impossible. The RVYC sailors were very pelased about that decision as we trained there yesterday and were used to the steep waves and wind conditions. The first 2 races had a heavy ebb while we had a great flood for the last two races which made rounding the windward mark a challenge.
50 Optimists were in the championship fleet with a whole pile in the green fleet. This was all our sailor's first regatta since October and we were all excited to finally be racing. The first race was very light and Alex Fritz was in the top 10 to the first mark but lost a huge amount on the second upwind by not going to the left close to Angel Island., Cameron Ho sailed a good second beat and was 14th with Graham Harney, Alex Fritz and Ellie Shaw following close behind in the 20s and 30s.
Race 2 started and the wind was coming and going. We had everything from 20 to 2 knots within 20 feet but all our sailors handeled it well. CAmeron was 3rd but was OCS after an excellent start, something he had a goal for the weekend. Race 3 was 15-18 steady wind where Cameron did finish 3rd and the final and last race of the day, all the boys really picked it up in the heavy current and wind and Cameron was 1st by 1 min, Graham was 7th and Alex 11th. Ellie had a great reaching leg and it was really fun to see her enjoy the speedy rides and roler coaster rides downwind. After we all finished, the RVYC sailors stated out and did another long windward just to really get exhausted. Alex was working on hiking, he got hiking finally on the last race while Graham improved his hiking technique too. Cameron was very fast today working hard throughout the day with absolutely fantastic starts.
The sailros were served pizza on paper plates on the water in 16-18 knots winds, interesting menu. We were very lucky we had made our own lunches and Tine was creating sandwiches on the coach boat. Despite the sun, the sailing conditions, wind and fog makes it cold on the water. We are really looking forward to racing tomorrow.
Tine
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Trailer Repair in Louisiana
On the drive home from Florida I had a breakdown with the Big trailer.
Basically I was on my second day in Louisiana making good time , hoping to make Dallas by that night.
I heard a bang and pulled over to find out that the coupler had broken away from the trailer and it was on the ground.
I had stopped at an overpass and began to get tools out of the trailer, next thing I know two fellows have stopped and are helping (without being asked).
At any rate we got the coupler reattached after help from my friends power grinder.
Next thing I know were done and they're on their way.
I was only stopped an hour, I couldn't believe my good fortune!
Thanks again guys!
AL
Friday, April 3, 2009
Midwinters West, Marina Del Rey , California
I think we set the record for the biggest group to a major event.
19 Lasers, 2 coach boats, 2 trailers and lots of gear and equipment.
We began the trip by loading the trailers at the end of our spring break camp, Friday afternoon.
We had started early that day and by 4 pm we were loaded, Lilah and Kyle were pulling the 6 boat aluminum trailer and i was pulling the 12 boat trailer with the 2 coach boats.
We got on the road by 6 and spent the next few days driving down the I5 to LA, arriving at noon on Sunday.
Most of the team came in that day and we were off and running (literally) the next morning.
Chris Tulip led the running portion of the fitness time set aside for the mornings.
We finished with core conditioning then stretching and cool down.
Next was a trip to the store for lunch supplies and then meet at the club, then on the water by 12.30.
The winds began briskly on the Monday and then lightened thru the week but we had plenty of open ocean training and it was very beneficial.
Thursday was a light day prior to the beginning of the regatta on Friday.
By this point all were ready and focused for the task at hand. Jen Spalding was able to come as coach for the regatta so we had a Laser and a Radial coach.
50 or Lasers and 70 Radials were registered. California YC does an excellent job of hosting events,(we were there for the Laser Worlds in 2006).
Tough, light conditions persisted thru pretty much the whole event and the specialists came to the front.
From Royal Van in the Laser Derick Vranizan,(back on the team after a few years absence)was 2nd , Ricardo Montemeyor ended 4th overall, Alex Heinzman was 12th.
In the Radial Jonn Scott was 8th and Jaime Bone was 9th.
We had a good group this year with a lot of rookie or near rookie team members that performed well in their first Grade 2 event.
A good time was had by the team and plenty of lessons learned in preparation for the summer season.
AL
19 Lasers, 2 coach boats, 2 trailers and lots of gear and equipment.
We began the trip by loading the trailers at the end of our spring break camp, Friday afternoon.
We had started early that day and by 4 pm we were loaded, Lilah and Kyle were pulling the 6 boat aluminum trailer and i was pulling the 12 boat trailer with the 2 coach boats.
We got on the road by 6 and spent the next few days driving down the I5 to LA, arriving at noon on Sunday.
Most of the team came in that day and we were off and running (literally) the next morning.
Chris Tulip led the running portion of the fitness time set aside for the mornings.
We finished with core conditioning then stretching and cool down.
Next was a trip to the store for lunch supplies and then meet at the club, then on the water by 12.30.
The winds began briskly on the Monday and then lightened thru the week but we had plenty of open ocean training and it was very beneficial.
Thursday was a light day prior to the beginning of the regatta on Friday.
By this point all were ready and focused for the task at hand. Jen Spalding was able to come as coach for the regatta so we had a Laser and a Radial coach.
50 or Lasers and 70 Radials were registered. California YC does an excellent job of hosting events,(we were there for the Laser Worlds in 2006).
Tough, light conditions persisted thru pretty much the whole event and the specialists came to the front.
From Royal Van in the Laser Derick Vranizan,(back on the team after a few years absence)was 2nd , Ricardo Montemeyor ended 4th overall, Alex Heinzman was 12th.
In the Radial Jonn Scott was 8th and Jaime Bone was 9th.
We had a good group this year with a lot of rookie or near rookie team members that performed well in their first Grade 2 event.
A good time was had by the team and plenty of lessons learned in preparation for the summer season.
AL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
