Qingdao Test Regatta

We went out to to China for some more training in the venue, and what we thought was a low key test regatta, but were amazed at the scale of the event before us. The organisers decided to make it a trial run of the paralympics. Our first experience of what they have in mind was when we walked into the event village and moved into our on site accomodation. We were expecting something along the lines of an Etap hotel, but instead were presented with a brand new 5 star hotel, opened only a few days ago, complete with swimming pool, gym, sauna, and steam room. You could even watch the telly from the bath!

Leaving the Marina each day, also gave a little taste of what to expect at the Games. There were crowds of people waving from the wall to the sound of drums beating out over the water, it sent a shiver up my spine every time, especially as this was just a little test regatta.

I had shipped out an old training boat a year ago which was going to have to be my regatta boat for the event. We spent a couple of days pimping her up the best we could, but she is 16 years old and rather on the heavy side. Most of my major competitors had sent their Games boats out, so it was quite amusing when the old girl won a race against them.

The first coupls of days were a bit of a struggle as I experienced a few problems with her. The major one being the pumps not working, which in 20 knots of breeze is a bit of an issue. I ended up having to try and bail out with my drinks bottle praying I would not sink. It was really frustrating as normally I am quick in a breeze, so to be lying 9th overall after 4 windy races was not a position I was used to being in. But I kept reminding myself the purpose of being here, to learn more about the venue and not to let the issues with the boat get me down.

The Wind dropped, I fixed the pumps and things started to look up. So much so that going into the last race I was lying fourth, one point away from bronze! It was a last race show down and whoever beat who would take the bronze! It was all looking great up the first beat. I was lying 2nd coming up to the windward mark ahead of my rivals, but then underestimated the strength of the tide and hit the mark, which allowed Heiko to get pass and claim the bronze.

Although I was dissapointed not to medal, and to be 4th again, all in all it was not a bad result considering the circumstances and we have come away having learnt a lot about the venue and feeling very positive for September. It was a successful trip for the rest of the team with the Sonar guys winning Gold as well as Nikki and Alex claiming Gold in the Skud. The team bonded really well and I can’t wait to go back to China for the real thing and come back with a medal next time!