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August 09, 2017 3 min read
Sailing Chandlery sponsored Chloe Barr sent in the following report just after the Laser Under 21 World Championships.
The first day started off rather unexpectedly, with everyone rigged and ready for the launch signal; AP over A went up signalling no racing that day, I think this was due to a building forecast and wind against tide (massive waves). This meant another day of welcomed rest for those who had just finished the Europeans.
The second day we launched with about 16 knots and a decreasing forecast. Unfortunately, the first race I had a terrible start, meaning I had to tack out for clear air. As it was still windy and I was going fast I managed to salvage that race to a respectable result. The next two races of that day I had equally bad starts and with less wind to catch up I was left with some big scores. I was left feeling rather defeated (constant rain didn’t help) and I set a starting goal for the next day.
The third day brought a large forecast of around 20+ knots which I was excited for. The first race I decided to start away from the fleet which worked, I was having a good race until turning downwind where I was struggling to make the boat go fast with such large fast moving waves. The second race got slightly windier and I had a great start getting to the windward mark in the top six. I just about managed to maintain my position downwind, and then I gained upwind to come fourth. The race committee decided that two races was enough and I was firstly relieved to see that we weren’t doing another race in such big wind but also sad as I know I’m fast in those conditions.
Day four was about 10 knots building, I had good starts all day and was consistently rounding the windward mark in top fifteen/ten. Due to the tide going upwind everyone would bunch up when turning downwind, meaning there were big gains to be made by being in your own wind, but also huge losses from getting stuck and being covered. I learnt this the hard way in race one and lost about 15 boats on the downwinds which was infuriating. I managed not to make such large losses in the two races to follow but I still lost a few places.
Day five’s wind had been looking non-existent on the forecasts all week. We launched into about 7 knots and had to be towed out of the very long river. When it was time to start the racing the gold fleet boys got a general recall which turned into a postponement because the wind had died. We spent the next four hours trying not to drift downtide of the race course until we were inevitably sent in with no races completed.
The Final day of racing came with a wind direction we hadn’t seen all week, a south-westerly which is straight offshore. In the first race, I didn’t have a very good start meaning I didn’t have much control to tack on the shifts I wanted to, and instead I had to focus on getting clean air. The best tactics turned out to be trying to get inshore into stronger tide going upwind. I managed to salvage this race with a few shifts and some surprising downwind speed. The next race I managed to start okay, I just was on the wrong side of a very big right shift. Up the second beat I tried to make gains but we ended up racing into the back of the boy’s silver fleet which made it very difficult to get clean air, not my best race.
I’m coming away from the regatta with some goals and realisations. My three main goals being: Starting in a big fleet- make sure I know exactly where the line is and be confident about that.
Getting faster downwind - increase my speed in large waves that move faster than you.
Downwind strategy - have a strategy when the tide is going upwind and there is a big fleet that gets bunched up, choose a side and get clean air.
I have realised that I needed to do another big fleet event for confidence before going to the worlds, and also think back to previous times I’ve been to Nieuwpoort, remember where I was slow on the race course and try and find those conditions and train them.
Chloe Barr
fast delivery with no problems
Ordered Zhik boots and wetsuit easily enough on-line, quick email response reviewing order, and they were despatched same day. Wetsuit is awesome, I wrongly ordered the boots size, a quick phone call, they explained what I needed to do, and they’ve changed them super quick. Didn’t miss any days sailing……..Highly recommend.
Got a set for my son who's 6' 3" and 92KG and L was way too small. Spoke to someone on the phone who was very helpful on sizing. Actually, went for a XXL in the end and he is happy with that fit so I would say these come up a bit small compared to other manufacturers although I guess you want a tight a fit as possible with hikers.
Vert happy with the service and advice. Video was helpful too.
Good quality product that was delivered very quickly
Got this top as I was looking for something which could keep me dry and warm at the same time in the best effective way possible, allowing me to have freedom of movement. All came to this top and it was definitely the right choice.
Well manufactured. Good quality product. The neoprene waist band makes sure you will be comfortable and as it stays adjusted all the time. Same thing goes to the wrist area.
Overall it is a really good product, best quality vs price I found and not disappointed.
Very speedy delivery and looks great on the Laser
Replaced easily enough. Same dimensions as the original on the boat. Works perfectly and keeps everything neat now.
I had given up all hope
Ordered gloves one evening and dispatched the following day
Very quick and efficient
Will definitely use again
Significantly cheaper than a class official sail but also much more longwearing so win / win!! Only slight criticism is that on the latest sail, the furling direction to get the velcro tape to hold the sail rolled is opposite to the marked direction on a Pico lower mast....
apart from that - strongly recommended
I was very pleased to find this top in stock here. Rooster had sold out. But Sailing Chandlery still had stock. Arrived promptly.
Nice feel and robust rope with little stretch and easily cleats. Remarkable quality at price.
Easy to order, quick delivery good products
Nice and good quality wetsuit
Excellent customer service. The size I first ordered was too small and the team at Sailing Chandlery could not have been more helpful, quick to respond, and professional.
brilliant I have had this jacket before and know it's waterproof and excellent designed well worth the money. Recommend the jacket to any
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