OPEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

This year the Open Worlds were held on a Fjord in Kolding, Denmark. The Open Worlds is eligible for all 2.4mR sailors, making it the only class where able and disabled sailors can compete on an even footing. The only difference being that as a development class it allows for some different designs and highly optimised boats. However the Paralympic rules restrict us from developing our boats as much as the able bodied sailors, trying to keep the paralympic 2.4mR as near one design as possible.

We had an entry of 80 boats, which posed some difficulties for the race committee on such a small stretch of water. So he decided to race us in split fleets, with a qualifying series early on, followed by a Gold and Silver final.

The racing was really shifty with the windward mark positioned in the lee of the shore, making the top half of the beat very tricky in light and fluky winds. This was great practice for me as these conditions are ones I have often struggled in. Working on this area tied in nicely with my personal goals in the regatta.

I finished 15th overall, which could be easy to be disappointed with as it’s not as good as previous years. However I have come away feeling positive as so much has been learnt in the regatta.

I have now got two weeks before flying out to Rochester for the IFDS worlds which could form part of our trials for selection for the 2008 Paralympic Games.