Autumn 2016

Winning the End of  Seasons

After the Late Summers it was the End of Seasons. For some reason this event has never been my best. I think it was because it was the last event which mattered to the rankings. Some would say most important. My previous results were 25,27,9 which is pretty bad! However this year I knew was going to be different. With my new approach of no stress and also the fact I had already guaranteed national squad I was loving life. The only real reason I was there was because I wanted to win the rankings. The first day wasn't spectacular results wise and sailing wise. It was the start of the cold season along with being super light made to a bit of a miserable day. I had an okay 1st race but struggled a little because I hadn't done any pre race prep as had been messing about with Freya. I had a 2nd row start but managed to get into the phase with the shifts and it all came together with ease. I finished in 3rd in the end but could have easily won if I had spotted a shift about 30 seconds earlier.The next race was quite a simple race as there was really only one big shift. I finished in 2nd this time which was a fair result. The 3rd race was appalling however through a lucky shift I managed to scrape out a 4th. However despite some decent results overall I was sitting in 6th place overnight. I went into the second day with a bit more determination. I had a 4,3 and discarded a 10th. My results were much different however I was able to stay consistent. Coming in I thought I had done ok but not enough to win. However to my surprise I won by a comfy wedge of 7 points. I guess consistency was key. 

The winning squad at the End of Seasons

Winning the End of Seasons means I am now ranked 1st in the country. This is an amazing achievement for me as it gives me a very positive boost. However to maintain this position I need to be at the top of my game all the time so there is lots of hard work to be put in over this winter.

Freya taking over our team's photo. 

After the End of Seasons it was Bordeaux again. However this time in the 420 with William. Like last year we left straight after National Squad. We were staying in the big house again with William's brother Henry and also Finn Rodgers. Despite not much sailing it was a really fun week. It was hot, light winds and relaxed. Like last year we hired bikes. This year me and William managed to get our hands on some mountain bikes. They were so much fun as we could do cool jumps and tracks on the way to and from from sailing. Because of the lack of sailing we had to do something to keep us kids entertained. This meant Surfing!! This was one of the first times I had surfed so I spent most of the time getting pummeled by huge waves. They were the biggest waves I had ever seen! I remember the first wipe out I had. I had got out into the middle when a set of huge waves came along. I remember seeing this massive mountain of white breaking on top of me and I had no idea what to do. Then before I could move the wave sucked me in and ate me whole. I remember getting tossed and turned for what seemed like an eternity and then surfacing back where I started. But for the rest of the week I was a pro!
However the fairy tale had to end somewhere. And it was the sailing. Light winds and fog resulted in only 2 days of sailing completed and only 4 races. However we were on fire. On our first international race together we were 3rd round the windward mark. But down wind was always going to be our downfall. At the end of the regatta though we were very proud to be able to say we were 1st Brits! Awesome!! Thanks to George and Kate Heathcote for taking me and I can't wait to go again next year. 

The next event was the winter champs. This turned out to be a weird but somewhat enjoyable regatta for me. But the first day wasn't. I had lent Freya my drysuit as I had opted for the wetsuit. And lets just say I absolutely froze to death!! Despite this I had an OK day. However I have forgotten my results so I can't tell you. I think I was in 4th place overnight though. The next day was a lot nicer though. I had stolen back my drysuit and was loving life. I had a pretty narly day and managed to climb up to second. However I couldn't bring down Will Pank who was on fire. 

Overall I think I have had quite a successful year in the end despite a rocky start. Once again I would like to thank my Mum and Dad for basically giving up a lot of their life for me. Also could I just say a massive thanks to George and Kate Heathcote who have been amazing! A once again a massive thanks to Crewsaver for supplying my kit!