Dear MSSF,
Thank you for your generous support that allowed me to sail in the Orange Bowl Regatta 2016, Coconut Grove, Florida. Christina Van Dyke, my skipper, and I sailed out of Coconut Grove Sailing Club in the 29er fleet. This was an open regatta, which means there were no age limitations. Although we finished at the back of the fleet, we believe that our results do not reflect the value of this experience.
With the wind blowing eight knots and minimal chop in the water, the conditions the first day were optimal. But, we did struggle with nerves, jet lag, and boat management. However, as the day went on, we settled into our normal routine. The conditions the second day were similar to the first. We worked towards beating at least one boat, which we did every time. That day, we perfected medium wind spinnaker work and concise, clear communications. On the third day, racing was continuously postponed until 2:30, when racing for the day was abandoned due to lack of wind. Instead, we spent the day with our competitors and talked about the previous days sailing, from which we learned a lot.
On the final day of racing, the conditions at 18 knots were the heaviest we have ever sailed in together in 29ers. We capsized and broke our trapeze bungee, and could not start the first race. We took the time with our coach, Chris Williford, to learn how to safely and effectively sail in these conditions. We started the second race, but capsized on every leg, and we did not finish in the time limit. We finished the third race. Before the final race, we saw an abandonment flag with the I420 flag and the 29er flag hoisted, so we sailed in. However, race committee started another race and, by the time we realized what had happened, we could not go back and were forced to retire. Another 29er team, Sally Wilmont and Tanner Chapko, also read the flags the same as we did and filed for redress. While Christina and I were witnesses for Sally, we did not file for redress. In the end, it was decided that the A flag was misused and both teams, Sally/Tanner and Christina/Isabelle, received redress. From the redress experience, I learned the importance of waiting to be clear with the meaning and order of the flags. Overall, Orange Bowl was a great experience that greatly helped Christina and my 29er experience and abilities.
Isabelle Meegan