This regatta took place in Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and was hosted by Hyannis Yacht Club. This three day regatta was characterized by tricky wind conditions and a very unfamiliar location and set up. On the first day, the regatta began with very little wind, which eventually came up to a steady breeze but from a completely different direction. This was the first time that we had raced with 100 and some boats, and it was very challenging to adjust to the extremely long starting line and the crowds of boats at every mark. The second day, the wind began to pick up quite early on and remained steady throughout the day, which was enjoyable. The third day was the hardest, for the wind was much heavier than the previous two days and the conditions were choppier and harder to handle. Lizzy was on the trapeze all day and we were up on a plane around every mark, it seemed. At one point, as we were up on a plane, we hit a large wave and Lizzy went flying around the shroud and fell into the water while still attached to the trapeze. It was definitely a very scary moment.
Although we did not do very well throughout the regatta, it was a great learning experience. We had the chance to sail against some of the best sailors on the east coast and learn to adapt to these different circumstances. The very large fleet was a new experience and sailing in those conditions will only help us in the future. Overall, it was an amazing opportunity and we are very grateful that we had the chance to be a part of it.
Thanks to the BYC Maritime Sciences & Seamanship Foundation for your help in getting us there!