The opportunity to fly cross-country and experience a whole new sailing atmosphere was an amazing experience. First of all, thank you to the foundation for making a contribution to help me compete in this event. I had such a fantastic time learning new things and meeting people from all over the world. I think that sailing in a different state and different boat than I am used to broadened my sailing opportunities and introduced me to the world of sailing beyond Newport beach.
On the first day of the regatta, the conditions were light… and very hot! The races were postponed for a while due to the weather. Even though I was bummed about the postponement, I enjoyed hanging out with my team and learning about the Optimist (“Opti”). I learned how to rig and Opti, and I learned about the centerboard and sprit, which the sabots do not have. One of the highlights of the first day of the regatta was meeting two German girls who had also come to the Orange Bowl Regatta to compete. I learned how to speak many German words, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. Later, when the postponement ended, I was very nervous. I was worried about how I would perform compared to the other kids in the regatta since I had only once sailed and Opti. Despite my worries, I found later in the day that I was able to pick up the basics and gain confidence sailing an Opti.
Racing in The Orange Bowl was a very different experience. In Sabots, the fleets are smaller, as well as the courses and start line. In Optis, the start line was over 800 feet, and there was a trapezoid course. The fleets for qualifying were around 70 boats as well, which is basically triple the number of competitors I am used to. While racing, I learned new skills and tactics for large fleets. One of the coolest skills I learned was how to do an Opti roll-tack. I learned how much I could gain by doing such an aggressive tack. It took me at least half the regatta to finally figure it out, but it was totally worth it! I also learned how to sail in choppy water, and how to maximize my boat speed and tack on the shifts.
From racing Optis, I gained so much new knowledge that has helped me better my performance in Sabots and many other boats. I learned large fleet tactics, how to roll tack in an Opti, how to rig an Opti, how to maximize my boat speed, how to sail as fast as possible in light wind, and so, so much more. Also, traveling across the country to Florida, I saw new culture, ate new foods, saw new animals, and had so much fun! I remember on the first day of the regatta, while we were sailing out to the course, I felt how warm the water was and saw how clear it was also! I was surprised as to how warm it was. I loved the weather and how pretty it was. I had such a great time.
Thank you so much to the foundation for making it possible for me to have this experience. I learned so much and had such an amazing time. I gained a new perspective about sailing around the world that has encouraged me to broaden my horizons with sailing and start in new boats and different places. I look forward to going to more Orange Bowls in the future!